FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jenni Shrum,
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(405) 231-0145 jenni@okcphil.org
“Veils of Justice: Trials, Tears, Transcendence: The Journey of Clara Luper”
Oklahoma City – The Oklahoma City Philharmonic proudly announces the release of Veils of Justice: Trials, Tears, Transcendence, The Journey of Clara Luper, a sweeping orchestral and vocal tribute composed by the renowned Hannibal Lokumbe. This deeply moving album honors the legacy of Clara Luper: Oklahoma educator, activist, and civil rights trailblazer, whose courage transformed a nation. Also featured on the album are works honoring the civil rights movement and the work of Fannie Lou Hamer and John Brown.
Commissioned and performed by the OKCPHIL, this historic recording was shaped by voices from across the Oklahoma City community. Lokumbe collaborated with local leaders, artists, NAACP Youth Council members, and Luper’s family, including her daughter, Marilyn Luper Hildreth, to create a musical experience that echoes the pain, strength, and transcendence of the civil rights movement.
Along with the OKCPHIL this album features GRAMMY® Award-winning soprano Karen Slack, percussionist Brannen Temple, the Ambassador Choir (Sandra Thompson, Artistic Director), Canterbury Voices (Randy Ellefson, Director), violinist Patrick Conlon, spoken word artist Jabee Williams, vocalist Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch, and pianist Igor Lipinski.
“The idea of honoring civil rights leader Clara Luper comes from our vision of telling absolutely inspiring stories from Oklahoma City through orchestral music to an international audience,” said OKCPHIL Music Director, Alexander Mickelthwate. “Hannibal Lokumbe, an internationally celebrated composer is deeply anchored in the African American musical tradition. His work Trials, Tears, Transcendence gives a powerful voice of courage and determination standing up against injustice and literally transcending to a place of deep inner peace at the end of the music. I couldn’t be more honored to have all of us be part of the production.”
Lokumbe’s unique style described as a “spiritatorio,” blends gospel, jazz, spirituals, oratorio, and classical music into a soundscape that is both historical and strikingly contemporary. Through music, narration, and voice, the album explores Clara Luper’s life, from her leadership during the 1958 Katz Drug Store sit-in to her lasting impact on future generations.
In addition to the title work, the album includes three other compositions by Lokumbe that engage with the civil rights movement and the search for peace in America:
• John Brown and Blue – performed by pianist Igor Lipinski.
• Fannie Lou Hamer – originally commissioned by the Kronos Quartet, performed by jazz vocalist Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch and the Hamer Quartet (Kimberly Fisher, Julia Li, Kerri Ryan, and John Koen).
• When The Peace Comes – a stirring finale performed by poet Jabee Williams and violinist Patrick Conlon.
This incredible work is paired with three other compositions by Hannibal Lokumbe that each interface with the civil rights movement and the search for peace and equality in this beautiful and complex nation. John Brown and Blue, performed by pianist Igor Lipinski, and Fannie Lou Hamer, originally commissioned by the Kronos String Quartet and performed here by the inimitable jazz vocalist Tulivu-Donna Cumberbatch and the Hamer Quartet (made up of Kimberly Fisher, William Polk, Kerri Ryan, and John Koen) bring the history of the civil rights movement into the concert hall. The final track on the album, When The Peace Comes, performed by poet and community leader Jabee Williams and violinist Patrick Conlon, is a deeply-felt meditation on life, death, struggle, and release.
“These are stories that cannot exist only in history, but must be living reminders of the courage and determination that is required to stand up against injustice. We are honored to recognize the work of these leaders,” said OKCPHIL Executive Director, Brent Hart.
The CD is set for release on August 22, and will be available worldwide on all major streaming platforms. Physical copies will be available from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
About Clara Luper
Clara Luper (1923-2011) was a teacher, playwright, and fearless civil rights leader who led one of the first and most influential sit-ins of the movement. Her dedication to nonviolent protest and educational equity shaped the path for justice in Oklahoma and beyond.
About Hannibal Lokumbe
Internationally celebrated composer and trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe is known for his works that bridge history, spirituality, and musical innovation. A recipient of the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship, Lokumbe has composed over 150 major works performed by orchestras and choirs across the country.
About OKC Philharmonic
OKC Philharmonic was founded in 1988 and celebrates over 30 years of beautiful music in Oklahoma City. Under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra performs Classics, Orchestral Pops, and Discovery Family concerts, as well as a variety of community engagements. Our mission exists to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music. For more information contact us at okcphil.org 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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