The Rochester Oratorio Society will present Timbuctoo to Today, a program of modern American choral music featuring the choral suite from Glenn McClure’s new work, Promised Land: An Adirondack Folk Opera. The concert will take place on Nov. 1, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Hochstein Performance Hall, 50 N. Plymouth Ave.

Promised Land delves into the history of “Timbuctoo,” an initiative in the 1850s in which abolitionist Gerrit Smith, alongside figures like John Brown and Frederick Douglass, gave more than 120,000 acres of Adirondack farmland to 3,000 free Black men. The opera illustrates the emotional and political struggles tied to this event, blending poignant melodies, 19th-century dance rhythms, and themes of racial equality and inclusive democracy.

The performance will feature the Rochester Oratorio Society chorus and orchestra, the SUNY Geneseo Festival Chorus, and soloists X’zaya Ivy, soprano, and Rocky Eugenio Sellers, bass-baritone.

X’zaya Ivy, a Rochester native, is a rising star in the classical music world. Having recently completed her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at SUNY Fredonia, Ivy made her operatic debut last year as Adele in Die Fledermaus. This summer, she garnered international acclaim during a tour with the Rochester Oratorio Society in France and Switzerland.

Joining Ivy is Rocky Eugenio Sellers, an internationally acclaimed bass-baritone who has performed with major opera companies including the Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Sellers has been praised for his “vibrant, booming bass” by the New York Observer, and brings a wealth of experience from roles in Porgy and Bess and Don Carlos.

“We are thrilled to welcome these two phenomenal artists to our stage,” said Eric Townell, artistic director of the Rochester Oratorio Society. “This concert offers a powerful exploration of history through music, and it’s a privilege to share that with the community.”

In addition to the choral suite from Promised Land, the program will feature works by Aaron Copland and Randall Thompson, performed by the SUNY Geneseo Festival Chorus and the Rochester Oratorio Society Chorus and Orchestra.

Tickets are available online at ROSSings.org/events or at the door. General admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students. Advance purchase is recommended.

ABOUT THE ROCHESTER ORATORIO SOCIETY:

Founded in 1945, the Rochester Oratorio Society is the region’s leading choral ensemble. The organization has toured the world, commissioned and premiered major works and collaborated with the region’s finest vocalists, instrumentalists and ensembles. The organization produces symphonic and chamber choir performances as well as the Rochester International Vocal Competition, and provides education and outreach to the greater Rochester community. More information may be found at https://ROSsings.org or at (585) 743-2234.

ABOUT GLENN MCCLURE

For more information, visit https://artforbrains.com/

ABOUT PROMISED LAND

For more information, visit https://adkfolkopera.org/