When asked by his late friend, Larry Hilton, to “celebrate what was central to (his) being,” Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Yusef Komunyakaa, reflected on his time growing up in Louisiana where he would “receive, in a way, the surprises that nature had for (him),” Komunyakaa said in a press release. Through these reflections came the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey’s Oh God…Beautiful Machine, a musical and literary “Love Letter to the Earth.”
“It was a beckoning to observe and learn about nature,” said Komunyakaa, a principal collaborator of Oh God…Beautiful Machine.
The festival-style event, featuring musical performances, including the debut of Oh God…Beautiful Machine, visual works and vendors, will take place at Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial on October 25 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The “Love Letter to Earth” was created as a “reflection on environmental peril, resilience, and reverence for life on Earth,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Jill Aguayo.
Hilton, who inspired and commissioned the piece, was a visionary arts advocate who served on art boards and championed projects that brought more art to Trenton, according to the group’s website. Created by Princeton University composer Vince di Mura, along with text by Komunyakaa, this world premiere is “a celebration of what we have and a call to cherish it,” says Di Mura.
“The title is a recognition, an exhale, and a blessing. Oh God…Beautiful Machine is a love letter to the earth and all of those who live on and in her,” said di Mura.
Those in attendance will be able to view vendor tables and locally-made artwork as soon as they enter. At 6 p.m. there will be a pre-concert performance followed by a lecture by the composer at 6:45 p.m. and finally the performance at 7:30 p.m which will last about 90 minutes with a brief intermission. Following the concert, there will be a VIP reception for season subscribers, advertisers and sponsors of Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey.
The performance will include a fusion of jazz, full-classical orchestra, a 30-voice choir and Chinese musical elements. The piece, influenced by genres from blues to gospel to folk, features lyrics in several languages in an effort to bridge the gaps between cultures and musician landscapes.
“This is not didactic; it is not intended to be politically divisive. We want to ask questions and let the individual wrestle with it,” said Komunyakaa.
Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey serves as a source to make Trenton a “culturally integrated music hub,” according to their website. Founded to bring world-class orchestral music to Trenton, the group cites that many studies show that the presence of arts and culture within inner city environments enhance the safety and security of the community while promoting civic pride and strong senses of community. In an effort to expand access and push boundaries in terms of classical music, they often collaborate with various artists and commission original works.
“This monumental, groundbreaker performance, brought to life by nearly 100 musicians, will be a night of powerful artistry, innovative orchestration, and soul-stirring poetry,” said Aguayo, in a press release.
To purchase tickets or find out more about the event, visit www.capitalphilharmonic.org.
