Parallel lives, shared stories, and transatlantic musical traditions intertwine in this revelatory choral drama. Set 250 years ago, Crossing the Deep is an immersive concert experience exploring the connections between sacred music written by Classical composers in Europe, like Handel, and Negro spirituals written by enslaved Africans in America to help cope with the brutal conditions of their bondage. The profound stories told by these traditions—often using the same texts—resonate with each other, underscoring the characters’ common humanity. At the same time, their juxtaposition illuminates how the stories diverge, prompting important questions about struggle, oppression, faith, and hope. Join us for this one-of-a-kind emotional journey, a tribute to the universal power of music.

Location

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Dates

SOLD OUT Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 7:30PM
SOLD OUT Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 3:00PM

Music

Handel: from select Chandos Anthems
“O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands” (No. 1)
“The waves of the sea rage horribly” (No. 4)
“In the Lord I put my trust” (No. 2)
“Have mercy upon me, O God” (No. 3)
“Tears are my daily food” (No. 6)
“But God, who hears the suff’ring pow’r” (No. 4)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation” (No. 10)
“Though an host of men were laid against me” (No. 10)
“Snares, fire and brimstone on their heads” (No. 2)
“Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered” (No. 11)

Spirituals
In This Lan’
Stand the Storm
I will Trust in the Lord
Tryin’ to Get Home
I want to go home
When I am Dead
Don’t Be Weary, Traveller
Give Me Jesus
Children, We all shall be free

Performed by

Anthony Trecek-King, conductor and co-creator
Reginald Mobley, countertenor and co-creator
Regie Gibson, spoken word artist
H+H Orchestra and Chorus