Rooted in Music

Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing

In celebration of this landmark anniversary, The CSO will perform at three of the original partner churches.

Zion Baptist Church
August 3, 7 p.m.
630 Glenwood Ave
Reservations are free and open for the public. 

Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church
August 6, 7 p.m.
9991 Wayne Ave
Reservations are free and open for the public. 

Quinn Chapel AME Church
August 12, 7 p.m.
10998 Southland Road
Reservations are free and open for the public. 

On August 15, Classical Roots celebrates its 20th anniversary by going back to its own roots with Cincinnati Pops Conductor John Morris Russell conducting a special concert at Music Hall.

In 2001 the vision of Classical Roots as set forth by the CSO Multicultural Awareness Council (MAC) became a reality. A lasting collaboration among the CSO and several prominent African-American church partners produced concerts to celebrate and amplify the many contributions of Black composers, artists and musicians to the American musical landscape.

At the center of Classical Roots is the all-volunteer Classical Roots Community Choir made up of 150 singers from over 50 churches performing in concerts and collaborations throughout the year. Vital to the choir are the volunteer choral music leaders, clergy leadership, church partners and a collection of passionate supporters and leaders who represent the rich diversity of the Greater Cincinnati region.

John Morris Russell, who was CSO Associate Conductor at the time, along with CSO staff members Kathy Jorgensen-Finley and Anne Cushing-Reid were driving forces in the establishment and growth of Classical Roots.

For the anniversary concert at Music Hall, concert pianist, and former CSO MAC Music Innovator, Michelle Cann brings her exquisite “Liszt-like technique” (The Philadelphia Inquirer) to Florence Price's Piano Concerto in One Movement.

Tickets to the 20th anniversary concert are available at the CSO’s website.