# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm
- **Event Description**: Two Performances:
Friday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, 4 p.m. @ Downtown United Presbyterian Church

First Inversion continues our twelfth season, “We Are. . .” with the seventh annual Holding On Through Song. This year’s program invites you to reflect on the enduring legacy of the American Negro Spiritual through new and old arrangements of spirituals as well as new works and improvisations that draw inspiration from spirituals and connect their music with insight and relevance for a modern community.

Thanks to a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts and Cultural Initiative through Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF), we are pleased to feature guest artist Jorell Williams as a baritone soloist, pianist and composer. Williams is no stranger to Rochester audiences, having won first prize and audience prize in the 2018 Rochester International Vocal Competition (hosted by the Rochester Oratorio Society) and appearing regularly with Finger Lakes Opera. 

Williams' precise and sincere approach to singing is echoed in his compositions. His “Americana/Go Down Moses,” for piano, which serves as a solemn centerpiece in the weekend’s program, is a musical meditation born in response to the murder of George Floyd. Also featured are selections from Williams' “Civil Rights Songs” stemming from words from Louisville Metro Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney, and Williams' arrangement of the spiritual “Oh Freedom” for the choir’s tenors and basses.

This year’s program also includes choral arrangements by other acclaimed living composers such as Marques L.A. Garrett, Shawn Okpebholo, Rosephanye Powell and Brandon Waddles.

As always, the concerts are offered as a gift to our community, with suggested donations of $25 (or $5 for students) to support our work.
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/rochester/holding-on-through-song-vii-the-living-legacy-and-inspiration-of-the-american-negro-spiritual/200029535609904
- **Event Categories**: music, entertainment, art, concerts, contests, health-wellness, meditation, live-music, nonprofit
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 81

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Rochester
- **state**: NY
- **country**: United States
- **location**: Downtown United Presbyterian Church
- **lat**: 43.15755
- **long**: -77.61639
- **full address**: Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14614-1214, United States

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/1f96d2003d7661567a2f3d572cf4cccac75c1e8253349841cd100005d1f00481-rimg-w1200-h776-dc78632f-gmir?v=1768996384

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual being held?
  - **A:** Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual takes place on Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm to Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14614-1214, United States.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual?
  - **A:** Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual is organized by First Inversion.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual is ideal for music lovers, fans of all genres, and anyone who wants to celebrate the power of music - from intimate gigs and live sessions to festivals and cultural performances. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Rochester, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 80+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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