Cal Poly’s Symphony and Choirs perform the monumental works of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem” and William Grant Still’s “Afro-American Symphony” on their spring concert. Both pieces were composed in the 1930s and addressed issues of that time, issues that are still relevant today. Amy Goyermac (soprano) and John Buffett (baritone) are the guest soloists. 

The choir opens the concert with Paul Hindemith’s celebrated “Six Chansons” followed by the symphony performing Grant Still's “Afro-American Symphony”– a celebration of Black culture and the blues that rose from the Harlem Renaissance.

After intermission, the symphony plays “Melody” by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk. The ensembles then join forces for Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem” (“Give Us Peace”). Written at the dawn of World War II, the text of the work is primarily derived from Walt Whitman’s poetry.

There will be a post-concert reception in the lobby for Music Department retirees India D'Avignon and Craig H. Russell.