
Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of African American Artistry
January 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Experience Symphonic Soul, a dynamic tribute to African American artists who have profoundly influenced American music.
Seamlessly blending classical, jazz, spirituals, and opera, this extraordinary concert, curated by Debora Wondercheck and conducted in part by Carl St.Clair, celebrates the brilliance of legendary musicians, singers, and composers. Join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and unity that transcends generations.
EUBIE BLAKE: Charleston Rag
MARGARET BONDS: Selections from Montgomery Variations
DUKE ELLINGTON: Night Creature
Arranged & Orch. by DUANE BENJAMIN: Marian Anderson Medley for contralto and orchestra
("My Country Tis of Thee," "My Soul’s Been Anchored," "Oh, What a Beautiful City," "He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands")
~ Intermission ~
TRADITIONAL: "Hold On"
Arranged by Sounds of Blackness
REV. MILTON BIGGHAM: "The Lord is Blessing Me"
Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin
ABEL MEEROPOL: "Strange Fruit"
Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin & Dedrick Bonner
SAM COOKE: "A Change Is Gonna Come"
Orchestrated by Larry Ball & Duane Benjamin
REGINALD HEBER: "Holy Holy Holy"
Arranged by Dedrick Bonner
CIVILLA DURFEE MARTIN/CHARLES H. GABRIEL: "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin
EUGENE ROGERS/MARK FOSTER: "Glory" from Selma
John Stephens (John Legend), Lonnie Lynn (Common), & Che Smith (Rhymefest) Arr. Eugene Rogers
ARTISTS
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Debora Wondercheck, producer / curator / conductor
Dr. Lesa Terry, artistic director
Duane Benjamin, music director and arranger
Christina Miles, storyline developer
Mark Cargill, concertmaster
Chris Smith, dancer
Bruce Cecil, production manager
Pacific Symphony
Dr. James Ford, Lead Trumpet
Francisco Torres, Lead Trombone
Scott Mayo, Lead Alto & Flute
Trevor Ware, Electric & Upright Bass
Rick Zahariades, Electric & Acoustic Guitar
Rayford Griffin, Drum Set
Adam Ledbetter, Piano & Organ
Eric Mckain, Congas & Midi Percussion
Dedrick Bonner, Founder / choir director of "The Singers of Soul"
The Singers of Soul Choir
Dedrick Bonner
Amber Liekhus
Eran Scoggins
Sha’Leah Nicole
Alfred Jackson
Joslyn James
Morgan Williams
Summer Greer
Donell Foreman
Terika Jefferson
Upcoming Dates & Times
Upcoming Dates & Times
Artists

Carl St.Clair
Conductor

Debora Wondercheck
Curator

Dr. Lesa Terry
Artistic Director

Duane Benjamin
Music Director and Arranger

Christina Miles
Storyline Developer

Dedrick Bonner

Amber Liekhus

The Singers of Soul

Pacific Symphony
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