Martin Rokeach Oratorio for Oakland

‘Tomorrow at 1:00p ET / 10:00a PT, please tune in to hear Martin Rokeach talk about his upcoming oratorio, “Bodies on the Line”. It is a fascinating story about the Great Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-37. It was one of the first strikes of its kind and it led to the unionization of the domestic automobile industry. The strikers brought General Motors to a complete stop at the height of the automobile boom and changed the way dynamic of unionization in the US, establishing changes that lasted for more than 50 years.

The oratorio will have its world premiere November 4, 2022, presented by the Oakland Symphony. The composer will present some excerpts tomorrow, including the final aria, sung by Jessica Bowers.

Details below
RSF contributed toward the commission for composer and librettist Rebecca Engle.

Event by Vienna Live with Simeon Morrow

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Music may not directly inspire citizens to civil disobedience, but it sure seems that musicians are among the most vociferous opponents of “injustice anywhere.” The Oakland Symphony, Youth Orchestra & Chorus under the leadership of Michael Morgan may be a case in point: the joint pursuit of justice and musical excellence defined his 30-year tenure. Among the final new-music commissions he made is Bodies on the Line: The Great Flint Sit-Down Strike, a newly created oratorio by composer Martin Rokeach and librettist Rebecca Engle. The composer joins us to discuss his magnum opus, preparations for the work’s premiere and its contribution to the late Maestro’s legacy.

As always, all information about upcoming shows may be found at www.simeonmorrow.com