Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra by Moravec, Joi 18 Aug. 2022, De la (2022/2022), Dirijor Adam Luebke

“Paths to Freedom” is a concert that links aspects of American history and culture to the present day through music. Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s Sanctuary Road is based on a book by 19th-century civil rights leader William Still who would become known as the “Father of the Underground Railroad.” Helping many hundreds of slaves escape to freedom, Still’s careful recordkeeping was also essential in reuniting family members who had become separated under slavery. At Sanctuary Road’s world premiere performance in 2018, the New York Classical Review praised the work as “…an oratorio in the full quasi-operatic sense, rich in character, action, and vocal display.” The all-star roster of guest artists in this performance includes: Laquita Mitchell, Melody Wilson, Joshua Stewart, Malcolm J. Merriweather and Richard Hodges who each make their Chautauqua debuts in this not-to-be-missed performance. They are joined by the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus under the direction of Adam Luebke, who were most recently featured on the Amphitheater stage in summer 2021. This evening's performance is funded in part by The Winifred S. Dibert Fund for Chautauqua