By Lalita Perez Acosta
The Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus proudly presents the world premiere of “Elijah’s Call: An Oratorio for an Abolitionist” on Sunday, Nov. 3, at 2 p.m., at the Palace of Fine Arts. Composed by the Bay Area’s Allison Lovejoy, the piece honors Elijah Parrish Lovejoy, a preacher and anti-slavery martyr.
Lovejoy, a distant relative of Elijah, draws on her ancestry in response to the killing of George Floyd by police in 2020. “The message of this piece is about coming together to cultivate a garden of love and grace,” said Lovejoy. “It speaks to the importance of unity—to heal, grow, and foster a stronger sense of community.”
“Elijah’s Call” invites audiences to reflect on the ongoing quest for civil rights and aims to inspire activism in the face of contemporary racial justice issues.
The world premiere performance will feature civil rights activist and attorney Walter Riley as narrator, with vocalists Michael Desnoyers (tenor), Melinda Martinez-Becker (mezzo-soprano), and Bradley Kynard (bass) delivering the oratorio’s evocative arias. The libretto is written by San Francisco historian, author, and journalist – Gary Kamiya and the Golden Gate Symphony will perform under the direction of Music Director/Conductor Urs Leonhardt Steiner.
In addition to “Elijah’s Call”, the program will include Symphony No. 4 by Florence Price, a pioneering African American composer whose work first premiered at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. This symphony, a landmark in classical music history, was the first by an African American woman to be performed by a major orchestra. The evening will also feature a moving performance by the Men’s Choir from Acts Full Gospel Church of God in Christ in Oakland, directed by Chris Poston, who will present a selection of African American spirituals.
Leading up to the world premiere, two free panel discussions will offer audiences a deeper look into the creation of “Elijah’s Call.” Composer Lovejoy, librettist Gary Kamiya, who is known for his contributions to local history with notable works published in the San Francisco Chronicle and acclaimed books like Cool Gray City of Love, and conductor Urs Leonhardt Steiner will share insights into the composition process, the historical research involved, and the ongoing relevance of Elijah Lovejoy’s legacy in the modern civil rights movement. Attendees will also hear musical excerpts from the oratorio.
The first panel will be on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Project Artaud Salon Series, Sculpture Studio, 401 Alabama St., San Francisco, CA
The second panel will be on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco, CA
Tickets for the Nov. 3 performance of “Elijah’s Call: An Oratorio for an Abolitionist” are available now at www.cityboxoffice.com/ggsoc. Tickets will also be available at the door, with discounts offered for seniors and students under 18.
This premiere is made possible with the support of the San Francisco Arts Commission Individual Artist Grant.
Lalita Perez Acosta is a communications associate for the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra.
