The Ordering of Moses Tickets

The Ordering of Moses is a landmark oratorio by R. Nathaniel Dett, completed in 1937 and world-premiered at the Cincinnati May Festival on May 7, 1937. This expansive choral-orchestral work blends biblical texts with African-American spirituals, weaving motifs from Go Down Moses into a powerful musical narrative. The piece has remained a touchstone for Afrocentric choral repertoire and continues to be performed by ensembles around North America and beyond.

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Biography: The Ordering of Moses stands as a testament to the fusion of sacred texts and African-American spirituals, crafted by composer R. Nathaniel Dett. Dett, a pivotal figure in 20th-century American classical music, drew on spirituals, hymnody, and classical forms to create a unique voice. The world premiere took place at the 1937 Cincinnati May Festival, signaling Dett’s growing influence within the American choral tradition. The score’s grand scale invites choirs to explore intricate polyphony, rich orchestration, and expressive solo work, all while honoring spiritual origins and textual depth.

Discography Highlights: A major recorded milestone is R. Nathaniel Dett: The Ordering of Moses (Live from Carnegie Hall), released in 2016 by Bridge Records (BRIDGE9462). The recording captures the expansive depth of the piece in a live performance setting, offering listeners a vivid sense of the work’s monumental choral textures. The Ordering of Moses has also enjoyed ongoing presence in concert repertoires through ensembles such as The Nathaniel Dett Chorale (Canada) and multiple regional orchestras, further enriching the Afrocentric choral landscape.

Upcoming Tours & Repertoire Context: Contemporary performances continue to introduce new audiences to Dett’s oratorio. Notable upcoming engagements include a Connecticut premiere by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra on February 9, 2025 at Woolsey Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT, and a performance by the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra on October 12, 2025 in Dayton, OH. These dates reflect the work’s enduring relevance and ongoing commitment from orchestras and choirs to present it within varied cultural contexts. Other ensembles, including the Nathaniel Dett Chorale in Canada, keep programming The Ordering of Moses as a central pillar of Afrocentric choral repertoire.

Socials & Official Presence: For updates, tours, and recordings, follow the official channels and artist-led organizations associated with The Ordering of Moses. Engage with performance announcements, behind-the-scenes insights, and new releases through the groups and platforms linked below.