51. Harry T Burleigh

Harry T Burleigh was one of the most influential figures in the history of American song: an African American composer and singer whose works were performed far and wide and helped shape the sound of American music. Burleigh was hugely well-known as a singer (he travelled extensively in Europe and the UK, singing for King Edward VII and visiting Oxford) and he wrote songs that were widely admired and performed, but it was with the publication of his arrangement of the spiritual ‘Deep River’ that he achieved real celebrity status.

American scholar Jean E Snyder, Harry T Burleigh’s biographer, introduces this fascinating figure, firstly giving an overview of his life and the significance of his art songs. She then examines the immense fame that came with the publication of 'Deep River' and subsequent arrangements of spirituals, and the degree to which these arrangements overshadowed his original song compositions. Jean Snyder is joined by the eminent soprano Louise Toppin and pianist Ann Sears, both of whom are also experts in Harry Burleigh’s music.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

This event is an in-person and livestreamed event. Livestreamed performances will be available to watch live in our Digital Concert Hall at the advertised performance time and will be available to watch again and on demand until the end of November.

Want to watch this concert in person and at home? 'Hybrid' tickets, valid both in person and for the Digital Concert Hall, are also available for an additional £3 to the in-person price.

All our seating is unreserved. This means you are guaranteed a seat in your chosen area, but not a specific seat. In order to allow for social distancing, you will be seated as an individual or as a group, based on the number of tickets you booked for this concert.

For groups of more than 10, please phone or email the box office to book your tickets.

The performance duration is approximately 2 hours with one 30 minute break.

TICKETS AND PASSES

(Online bookings only)

Book five or more concerts at the same time: 5% discount

Book ten or more concerts at the same time: 10% discount

Book fifteen or more concerts at the same time: 15% discount

For even further discounts click here for more information on our Festival Passes.

Tickets for both in-person and the Digital Concert Hall will be issued as eTickets by default. Printed tickets are available on request, for an additional fee.

COVID-19

Due to COVID-19 we have to do things a little differently this year. In order to keep everyone safe, our seating and concert conditions are subject to change in line with changing government guidance.

For more information about our COVID-19 safety measures, please click here.

If you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 on the day of the concert, please do not attend, but get in touch with our box office to arrange a refund.