The Handel and Haydn Society will celebrate the 160th anniversary of the very first Emancipation Proclamation Concert with a free performance at the Historic Trinity Church in Boston’s Copley Square.

The, which will take place on Dec. 31 at 1 p.m., concert will feature members of the H+H orchestra and chorus conducted by Dr. Anthony Trecek-King. The concert will feature several spirituals including “In This Lan’,” “Deep River,” “I Want to Go Home,” and works by A.G. Duncan, Mendelssohn, Händel, JS Bach, Evelyn Simpson-Curenton and Stacey V. Gibbs.

The Emancipation Proclamation Concert offers an afternoon of music and storytelling on the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech in 1863.

In a statement Gerard Cox, Director of the Museum of African American History said, “The Museum of African-American History Boston and Nantucket is honored to continue our long-standing New Year’s tradition and relationship with the Handel and Haydn Society. This annual program commemorates that joy filled day and affirms music as a way to challenge our spirit and unite us, said Sylvia Stevens-Edouard, MAAH Board Chair.”

Dr. Trecek-King added, “For the enslaved African population, the struggle for freedom and the longing for home and sanctuary began on water. Through our discussions with the Museum of African American History, these themes emerged as a focal point for this year’s Emancipation Proclamation Concert and inspired many of our selections. It was a joy to pair well-known spirituals, such as Deep River and Wade in the Water, with the music of Handel and Mendelssohn.”