Mark Billy frequently participates in our Music Program at First Congregational UCC Church, Norman. We are excited to hear him on Saturday, April 9 at the Civic Center Music Hall!
World Premiere!
Sat. April 19, 2025 – 8:00 PM
Civic Center Music Hall
Concert Details
Alexander Mickelthwate, conductor
Kirsten C. Kunkle, soprano
Mark Billy, baritone
Canterbury Voices
LESHNOFF: Elegy
STRAVINSKY: The Firebird: Suite (1919)
TATE: American Indian Symphony (World Premiere)
Run Time: Approx. 120 minutes
Funding for this concert and the American Indian Symphony project is made possible through the generous support of Express Employment Professionals, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation in partnership with dedicated donors, and Mr. John Walker.
Guest Artists
Kirsten C. Kunkle, soprano
Mark Billy, baritone
NOTES FROM THE MAESTRO
“This season, we are proud to continue our Oklahoma Stories with a historic first: an American Indian Symphony. The composer is Oklahoma’s own Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, a citizen of the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw Nation. His American Indian Symphony is structured in six sections, each representing one of the six regions of Native Americans in North America and sung in six different Native American languages.
The evening will begin with a brief musical prayer in honor of the Oklahoma City bombing, featuring Jonathan Leshnoff’s Elegy, a deeply moving work of reflection.
Additionally, we’ll present Stravinsky’s Firebird. When I asked Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate about his inspiration to become a composer, he mentioned his mother’s influence in teaching ballet, which sparked his love for the great ballet scores. It felt fitting to include one of the best.
Join us for this unique and meaningful evening celebrating a rich cultural heritage!”