Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom (RFC)
Sat Jun 24, 2023
Orchestra Hall
The Minnesota Orchestra presents a program in honor of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the emancipation of the last African Americans still enslaved in Texas. With conductor André Raphel at the podium, the concert includes Adolphus Hailstork’s jubilant Three Spirituals and William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony, one of the most celebrated American symphonies ever written. Justice Alan C. Page will perform the narrator role in Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait.
Our Relaxed Family Concerts are designed for audiences of all ages, including individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities. Each concert takes place in an inclusive environment where audience members are welcome to be who they are and enjoy music together with family and friends.
Whether it’s your first time or you consider Orchestra Hall your second home, we encourage you to plan ahead and leave ample time for your arrival as there are many activities happening in Minneapolis this weekend. For your convenience, we encourage parking in the 11th & Marquette Municipal Ramp. Ushers and security staff will be available at all entrances to greet and assist you. More parking and transportation information.
A Few Things to Know
- Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom will feature a variety of music—some soft and some loud—because we know that different audience members like different levels of sound. Review our Lobby Map to read about quiet spaces, noise-canceling headphones and other options which are available for tailoring the concert experience to fit your family ’s preferences.
- Come early to participate in lobby activities, including opportunities to try instruments, engage in creative movement, make art, learn more about the program and meet Minnesota Orchestra musicians.
- Prepare for the concert experience with our playlist, lobby map, pre-visit story.
- Juneteenth commemorates when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were the last to be freed in the former Confederacy on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by Abraham Lincoln. Though it’s often referred to as “America’s Second Independence Day,” Juneteenth wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until June 2021. It became an official state holiday in Minnesota in February 2023.
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HAILSTORK
Everytime I Feel the Spirit, from Three Spirituals
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COPLAND
Lincoln Portrait
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JOHNSON
Drums—A Symphonic Poem
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STILL
Selections from Symphony No. 1, Afro-American
Artists
Minnesota Orchestra
G. Phillip Shoultz, III
host
Terryann Nash
American Sign Language interpreter
The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra, now in its second century, ranks among America’s top symphonic ensembles, with a distinguished history of acclaimed performances in its home state and around the world; award-winning recordings, broadcasts and educational engagement programs; and a commitment to intentionally build concert programs to feature more works by composers of color, exploring music both contemporary and historic. In September 2024, Danish conductor Thomas Søndergård begins his second season as music director.
G. Phillip Shoultz, III, who is known for fostering community and inspiring action among people of all ages and abilities, enjoys a multifaceted career as artist, educator, consultant, speaker and pastoral musician. He is the associate artistic director of VocalEssence, where his most visible impact is seen through his visionary leadership as founding conductor of the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age and through his engaging Take 5 with GPS daily livestream and series of instructional videos. He also serves Westwood Lutheran Church as Cantor for Music, Worship and the Arts, and he frequently appears throughout the U.S. as a guest clinician, adjudicator and consultant.
Terryann Nash, MAPL, is an American Sign Language (ASL) performance artist and CEO of Nashinspired LLC. She has been an interpreter for productions of The Miracle Worker; Sounds of Blackness’ The Night Before Christmas and Songs for Martin; Black Nativity 2022; and the 2017 National Day of Prayer. She has also been an ASL performing member in several performances by Sweet Honey in the Rock. She works closely with Nashinspired ASL consultant Rebecca Demmings.
Plan your visit
- Pre-concert activities
- Valet Parking
- Pre-order Beverages
- Directions & Parking
- Helpful Tips
Pre- and Post-Concert Activities
When: Sat June 24 | 12:30-1:45pm and 3:00-3:30pm
Where: Roberta Mann Grand Foyer
Know Before You Go
An engaging performance awaits, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Make this visit your own with food and activity options. Browse these helpful tips, and when your concert date arrives, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy.
Directions & Parking
All the information you need to know for getting to and from Orchestra Hall. Parking is just steps away from Orchestra Hall in the city-owned and skyway-connected 11th and Marquette Ramp.
Accessibility Services
- ASL Interpretation
- Assistive Listening Devices
- Braille & Large Print Programs
- Open Captioning
- Service Animals
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating
Additional services are available upon request.
The Family Concert series is made possible by
Co-sponsored by Eric and Celita Levinson
