Hannibal brings his 'spiritatorio' to Philadelphia Orchestra this weekend

Hannibal Lokumbe calls his new work, "One Land, One River, One People," a "spiritatorio." Commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra, it's less a concert piece than a spiritual explosion - a gumbo of blues, jazz, spirituals and joyful rhythm.

Yannick Nezet-Seguin will conduct the work this weekend in a program that will begin with Copland's familiar "Appalachian Spring" and Sibelius' stirring "Finlandia." "One Land" is scored for soprano Laquita Mitchell and tenor Rodrick Dixon, plus three choirs: the Delaware State University Choir, the Lincoln University Concert Choir and Morgan State University Choir.

The title of Hannibal's piece, composed in three movements he calls "Veils," represents the physicality, blood and spirituality of humanity, an idea he says came to him from his great-great-grandmother, a Cherokee shaman.

Read more at

http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/arts/20151110_Hannibal_brings_his__spiritatorio__to_Philadelphia_Orchestra_this_weekend.html#zbETHuxtTHvZ72Jh.99

a sample of his older work

Hannibal Lokumbe: 'African Portraits'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jkg-6LB9jRc

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I became familiar with Ms. Jevetta Steele's voice years ago through a version of the hauntingly beautiful " theme from Bagdad cafe/Calling you" song.
[ past collaboration with the African Portraits, project] This project, it reminds me of the essence of
Missa Luba & Missa Bantu with a distinct African American feeling.
____We have such a Diverse, Rich & Beautiful Culture! t.b.