In recognition of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, we offer “Hebrew Children,” from the Sacred Harp (first edition 1844), which draws its stirring imagery of bondage and liberation from the Book of Daniel.
from Free America, our 2019 Harmonia Mundi CD
Here at Camerata, our deepest wish in this period of profound American upheaval is that we may come together as one nation, in a spirit of renewal and love. We are committed to such growth and positive change.
We offer this short video from a 2015 concert performance dedicated to music heard by diverse peoples of the New World. We begin with a Gregorian chant, an Agnus Dei, imploring for peace, sung by Deborah Rentz Moore and Les Fleurs des Caraïbes. The same words, “Dona Nobis Pacem,” set by the Spanish Renaissance composer Tomás Luís de Victoria, are next heard by Camerata, assisted by Les Fleurs des Caraïbes, Trinity Choristers, and Boston City Singers, with Richard Webster conducting.
May music help to heal us and point us to a better future!
The Boston Camerata with Les Fleurs des Caraïbes,
Trinity Choristers, and Boston City Singers
We draw inspiration, in these days of crisis for our country, from the prophecy of Daniel, speaking for his oppressed people, as he fearlessly faces a corrupt and evil ruler.
This eloquent, deeply-felt performance by Jordan Weatherston Pitts resonates so strongly within us. May it point us towards hope, and give us increased strength to work together for a just society.
The Prophet Daniel, confronting the Evil Ruler, interprets the Handwriting on the Wall:
MANE: Your reign is finished.
TECHEL: You have been weighed and found wanting.
PHARES: Your kingdom shall be given over to another.
During this moment of great stress and trial for our beloved nation, we at Camerata want to express our solidarity with all victims of oppression and injustice, and most particularly with our fellow-American brothers and sisters of color.
This Revolutionary song, “Free America,” inspired the theme of 
our most recent CD recording. The lyric you will hear speaks of resistance to tyranny, and in our opinion it is as contemporary and relevant as the day it was penned. Joel Frederiksen is the soloist.
