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Harry T. Burleigh's Annual Service of Negro Spirituals at St. George's Church: A Tribute

Harry T. Burleigh's Annual Service of Negro Spirituals at St. George's Church: A Tribute

Harry T. Burleigh's Annual Service of Negro Spirituals at St. George's Church: A Tribute 

In 1924, St. George’s Church choir performed a service of Negro spirituals featuring Burleigh’s compositions and arrangements. This innovative program was so popular it became a signature event for the church, the highlight always being Burleigh’s solos and arrangements of the spiritual. It was performed annually for over 20 years.

The Harry T. Burleigh Society, co-founded by Lynne Foote and Dr. Marti Newland, proudly presented a tribute to Burleigh and this historic program on Friday, March 31st, 2017 at St. George's Church in New York City. 

Speakers Randye Jones, Gabriela Nguyen, Marcia Behrmann, Dr. Jean Snyder and Rev. Jacob Smith provided background and context for the Negro spiritual. Burleigh's arrangements and compositions were performed by Artis Wodehouse, Marti Newland, Amanda Finch, Omar Bowey, Steven Kirby, Kamel Boutros and Alex Nguyen.  

The event illuminated the significance of Burleigh at St. George’s Church and his influence on American musical culture.