Sacred Ground

SACRED GROUND: Concert & Celebration featuring Leah Suárez + Bare Witness

06 MAY 2017, Saturday
8PM, Doors @ 7:30PM

Circular Congregational Church
Donation, Pay-What-You-Will

BUY TICKETS

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150 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
120 minute performance with intermission.
Reception and celebration to follow, included in ticket purchase.

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SACRED GROUND is a concert and celebration, featuring a premiere performance of “Sacred Ground,” a song cycle composed by Leah Suárez, in collaboration with Alex Collier, inspired as a response to that fateful summer night 17 June 2015 at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in the Holy City, in addition to being a source of exploration for the idea that “sacred ground” is where we heal ourselves and, indeed, heal the world. It is the place where we acknowledge, process and transcend our very humanity.

The genesis of Sacred Ground was premiered May 2016 in Haldensleben, Germany, commissioned by the Felix and Caroline von Nathusius Family. This performance was one of two over the period of two days presented by Projekt CHARME, celebrating the 1050th anniversary of the town and the dedication of a timely structure built by students of the American College of the Building Arts (Charleston, SC), blessed, dedicated and named Charleston Place as a gesture of thanks to the students of ACBA and of solidarity with the town of Charleston, as it dealt with the consequences of the Emanuel AME killings with dignity, forgiveness and a spirit of unity which was set a stunning example to communities around the world.

Musician, Leah Suárez, says: ”I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to share this musical experience for such a unique occasion in Germany last year. It was especially meaningful to represent my home of Charleston, South Carolina last year and to humbly honor the lives of our brothers and sisters who died in the massacre of 17 June 2015 at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. church. I believe that where we find common ground is where we heal the world. My colleagues and I look forward to being a humble part of that healing energy moving forward through the power of music and premiering Sacred Ground in the Holy City. We are especially grateful to the von Nathusius Family and all who have supported this project for providing a bridge for our worlds to connect.”

This year’s American premiere will be a world premiere of the fully realized treatment of the composition in its entirety. The concert will also include additional music selections in keeping with its theme, rooted in jazz, blues, classical and folk traditions.

SACRED GROUND is a humble offering, dedicated to the EMANUEL 9 – those who paid the ultimate price on that balmy summer night, 17 June 2015, and to the survivors of the Mother Emanuel A.M.E Massacre, whom have graciously carried the burden of bearing witness:

Emanuel 9: The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Hurd, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, Susie Jackson, Rev. Daniel Simmons, Myra Thompson;

Survivors: Jennifer Pinckney, Polly Sheppard, Felicia Sanders, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Clementa Pinckney, granddaughter of Felicia Sanders

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