Monday Musicale with the Maestro – June 1, 2020 – Strength in Diversity. . . Respect, Joy, and Love

Monday, June 1, 2020—Strength in Diversity. . . Respect, Joy, and Love

North Carolina has been my happy home for twenty-four years. No place on earth is perfect; however I have found this state to be the most congenial and satisfying place I have ever lived in.  Perhaps this helps to explain my deep sadness today as the recent peaceful protests against the racial inequality of our criminal justice system and economic imbalances have led–cruelly and unnecessarily—to violence on the streets of Raleigh and Fayetteville.

I chose this selection from our March 3, 2019 Hayti Heritage concert to underline my belief that there is strength in diversity when it is allied with respect, joy, and love. The song is the gospel classic “I’ll Fly Away” by Albert Brumley. The lyrics speak of heaven, freedom, and acceptance.

The guest artists are sopranos Rozlyn Sorrell and Tina Morris-Anderson, trumpeter Al Strong, and poet Dasan Ahanu. The arrangement is by McRae Hardy.  

William Henry Curry
Music Director, Durham Symphony Orchestra

Durham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro William Henry Curry
I’ll Fly Away – Albert E. Brumley, arr. McRae Hardy
Hayti Heritage Concert- March 3, 2019

Some glad morning when this life is over,
I’ll fly away.
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away!

I’ll fly away, O glory,
I’ll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.

When the shadows of this  life have grown,
I’ll fly away;
Like a bird from prison bars has flown,
I’ll fly away!

I’ll fly away, O glory,
I’ll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.

Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
To a home where joys shall never end,
I’ll fly away!

I’ll fly away, O glory,
I’ll fly away.
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away.