On Oct. 13, Marshall Opera will celebrate composer Adolphus Hailstork’s 85th birthday with a concert at Kaufman Music Center at Merkin Hall.

Sopranos Nicoletta Berry and Maria Brea, tenor Joshua Blue (appearing courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera), and baritone Jorell Williams perform works by Hailstork. The program features the world premiere of  “Our Land” with lyrics by Langston Hughes, “Nobody Knows,” “Summer.Life.Song,” “Four Romantic Love Songs,”  and”Sing Her a Song.” Excerpts from the opera “Common Ground” will also be performed.

Mark Shapiro leads an ensemble that includes violinists Pauline Kim Harris and Maria Im, violist Kayla Williams, cellist Laura Metcalf, double bassist Kebra-Seyoun Charles, clarinetist Yoonah Kim, harpist Kirsten Agresta Copely, and pianist Brian Fenwick.

Hailstork has created an extensive body of music spanning three operas, orchestral and choral works, chamber music, solo instrumental works, and art song. He studied at Howard University, Manhattan School of Music, Michigan State University, and the American Institute at Fontainebleau with Nadia Boulanger. His music has been performed at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Dayton Opera, LA Opera, and many more.

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