A Night at the Abyssinian

An Evening of Music and Oratory in Celebration of Black History Month

Saturday, February 28,  7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
At the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick  
corner of Pleasant & Middle Streets  www.uubrunswick.org

                                       Acclaimed performer Goldee Greene (http://goldeegreene.com/) will breathe new life into three largely forgotten 19th century African-American opera divas, who performed at the White House, Buckingham Palace and Steinway Hall.  Ms. Greene, an award-winning lyric-dramatic soprano and Off-Broadway playwright, premieres her new solo opera/theatre work, “Even Before Marian: Black Opera Divas of the 19th Century.”  The show weaves arias, lieder and art songs into a vivid and unique American tapestry.

 

•  It is suitable for all ages, so bring the children!
• The event is free and all are welcome.

Ms. Greene will be accompanied by pianist extraordinaire Chiharu Naruse,who performs internationally. Ms. Chiharu is on the music faculty at both Bates College and the Portland Conservatory of Music. As an added feature, they will perform an aria from “The Summer King,” Daniel Sonenberg’s hit opera about Josh Gibson, dubbed the “Black Babe Ruth.”  The composer will be on hand to introduce the number.

 

“The Meeting House very likely hosted performers and speakers such as those appearing in this event,”

said James Ford, a Board Member.

“Even Before Marian…” is part of an evening program, entitled “A Night at the Abyssinian,” to call attention to the restoration of the historic 1828 Abyssinian Meeting House, located in Portland.This center of religious, social, educational and cultural events was built to serve the city’s African American community. See www.abyme.org for more information on the Abyssinian Meeting House. Contributions to the  restoration project are welcomed.

Also, the evening will be spiced with excerpts from orations of 19th century American Abolitionists read by local community members.