The NY Choral Society has announced its newest digital collaborative project, titled “Morning Light.”

Premiering on Dec. 1, 2021, the new work comes as part of the company’s “Reimagine” 2021-22 season and draws from the 1870s writings attributable to New York Shaker Lydia Annas. Composer Kevin Siegfried and choreographer David Thomson tell the story of noted Black Shaker Rebecca Cox Jackson, as well as themes of nature and hope. Jackson, whose spiritual awakening came during a thunderstorm, will be played by soloist dancer Nehomoyia Young.

The film marks the first time that the company will sing together since the beginning of the pandemic and theater closures. It will be available to watch on its website and YouTube channel.

“In researching the work of the Shakers and discussions with Kevin, I discovered the figure of Shaker Eldress Mother Rebecca Cox Jackson, a freeborn Black woman who had an incredible power to move people,” writes David Thomson. “I wanted to bring her presence to light and the hope that she brought to her own community as we navigate our own hope through the traumas of the pandemic, climate change and other issues that are challenging our peace.”