Classical music filled a historic local church late last week as part of Black History Month celebrations.
The Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO), under the direction of assistant conductor Geoffrey Larson, presented “Celebrating Black Composers” with the works of Adolphus Hailstork and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor enjoyed by the crowd.
It was part of Black History Month celebrations held at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, with the concert being in the Nazrey AME Church. The church is located on the museum’s grounds.
WSO executive director Patti Lauzon offered thanks to concert sponsors Colleen and Richard Peddie.
“The WSO has been partnering with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum for many years,” said Lauzon.
Lauzon said they are “proud to support the important work the museum is doing every day.”
Amherstburg Freedom Museum board president Monty Logan thanked the Peddies, River Bookshop and the WSO for their support. He pointed out the museum’s 50th anniversary and the number of events that will occur throughout this year.
The museum has spent five decades sharing stories of freedom seekers and their journey to Canada as well as their accomplishments once they got here.
“They aren’t just our stories, but the Town of Amherstburg’s stories,” added Logan.
Upcoming events can be found on the museum’s website at www.amherstburgfreedom.org.
An event coming up shortly is the premiere of “The Price of Freedom,” a play created in partnership between the museum and Arts Collective Theatre (ACT).
It is an original play by Carlos Anthony and directed by Chris Rabideau. Tickets are $33 for adults, $30 for seniors and students.
The play is described on the website as being: “Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1860s Canada, The Price of Freedom tells the gripping story of John Anderson, a freedom seeker accused of killing a bounty hunter in self-defence. Pursued relentlessly across borders, Anderson’s case becomes a flashpoint for Canada’s moral and legal identity as the United States demands his extradition. Supported by abolitionists from the Underground Railroad and allies within a powerful fraternity, Anderson’s journey unfolds through tense courtroom drama, haunting memories of escape, and the collective fight for dignity and justice. As the trial challenges Canada’s role as a sanctuary for the oppressed, The Price of Freedom explores the enduring cost of liberty, the bonds of brotherhood, and the fight for dignity in the face of systemic injustice.”
The play is at the Capitol Theatre in Windsor and runs Feb. 28 and March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m.
WSO holds concert at Nazrey AME Church for Black History Month
By Ron Giofu
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