The Cathedral St. John the Divine is set to showcase the U.S. premiere of “Alan Seeger: Instrument of Destiny” on Nov. 20, 2019 in New York City.

The oratorio, composed by Patrick Zimmerli, will feature Kent Tritle conducting alongside tenor Alex Richardson and pianist Thomas Enhco. Finally, percussionist David Rozeblatt will round out the soloists on the concert.

Alan Seeger was a poet born in New York City back in 1888. He volunteered for World War I in 1914 and would die in the Battle of the Somme on July 4, 1916. During his two years in service, Seeger wrote a number of poems that detailed the atrocities of war and emphasized the ideals he fought for.

His poetry was adapted by librettist Mirabelle Ordinaire with composer Zimmerli setting it to music. The performance is presented as part of the Great Music in a Great Space series in partnership with the Mission Centenaire, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Council on the Arts, and the United States World War I Centennial Commission.