Sacred Music of Monticello

Among the music gathered by Thomas Jefferson for his library at Monticello is a unique version of Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's famous Stabat Mater, composed just before Pergolesi died of tuberculosis at age 26 in 1736. In Jefferson's copy, though, the traditional Latin text has been replaced by the words of a poem by Alexander Pope, "The Dying Christian to his Soul." But there was also a rich tradition of musical worship at Monticello among the community of enslaved people who lived and toiled there. This musical culture, less well documented but much more influential on American music over subsequent centuries, offers a powerful counterpoint to Pergolesi's hymn for voices and small chamber ensemble.

Sacred Music of Monticello presents spirituals associated with Monticello's enslaved people interleaved with movements of the Pergolesi/Pope Stabat Mater. The concert, offered in person and online by Early Music Access Project at Charlottesville's historic Christ Episcopal Church, features soprano Brianna Robinson, countertenor Patrick Dailey, and instrumentalists of Charlottesville's Early Music Access Project. The program includes the world premiere of spirituals arranged by baritone James Dargan, who will also perform in the concert.



For those unable to attend in person, livestream tickets are available. Those who purchase tickets to the in-person concert will also have access to the livestream. A link to the livestream will be sent one hour before the performance and the recording of the livestream will remain available through the end of March.

With the safety of our audience in mind, we ask that you read and observe the following COVID-19 guidelines:

• All patrons must show proof of vaccination at the door.
• All patrons must remain masked while inside the performance venue. Please note that the vocalists on stage will be unmasked during the performance.
• Ticket sales will be limited to allow for social distancing.
• Patrons who have recently tested positive for COVID-19, have had a recent exposure to COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend this concert. Please view the livestream instead.

Featuring:

David McCormick, Conductor

Brianna Robinson, Soprano

Patrick Dailey, Countertenor

James Dargan, Composer and Bass

Nicole Keller, Organ

Leslie Nero, Violin I

Carmen Johnson Pájaro, Violin II

Isaiah Chapman, Viola

Loren Ludwig, Viola da Gamba

Patricia Ann Neely, Violone