Classical Movements Introduces Tours Exploring the History of the Civil Rights Struggle

Classical Movements Introduces Tours Exploring the History of the Civil Rights Struggle

“Let Freedom Ring”

Journeys through the Civil Rights Movement and the Roots of American Music

3 Different Itineraries, Also Showcase Achievements of African American Culture

Industry-leading concert tour specialists Classical Movements announce a new line of concert tours: “Let Freedom Ring,” a set of three pre-designed itineraries created to highlight the achievements and legacy of African Americans through music and the struggle for civil rights. We make this announcement today in honor of the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Eisenhower on September 9, 1957, one of the many steps in the journey to full citizenship for African Americans.

While Classical Movements has always acted in service of a progressive and representation-focused worldview through concert touring, we feel it is important now more than ever to fully live by those values. In our nearly 30 years as a company, we have striven to advocate for destinations, artists and communities otherwise overlooked. With our tours to such countries as Cuba, South Africa, India and Vietnam, we bring mutual understanding to profoundly different groups of people, provide vital income to small businesses around the world and ultimately hope to bridge cultural gaps through the power of music. Our Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program, founded in 2005, has commissioned 97 works of new music, nearly half by composers of color, a rarity in the classical music world.

In our country, there are great rifts between people of differing beliefs, backgrounds and colors. We have a painful history that we have not fully reckoned with. “Let Freedom Ring” is our way of contributing to that conversation. After extensive research and careful consideration, we have designed three itineraries intended to amplify the diversities and complexities of the African American experience, using our resources and expertise in the fields of music and travel and the structure of a domestic tour.

Classical Movements founder and President Neeta Helms says: “In this time of social unrest in our country, I felt it was our duty to contribute however we can. I am very proud of our history of supporting under-represented communities around the world, and we are constantly looking ahead to new ways of furthering this goal. Since we started, we have produced many unforgettable domestic tours; we wanted to expand our many and varied domestic offerings with an initiative that positively contributes to the conversation around social justice. Our “Let Freedom Ring” tours are the perfect opportunity for any group to explore and learn about the musical history of our country, alongside the struggle for civil rights. We hope that our dear clients will find these tours fascinating, educational, and informative.”

What Are the “Let Freedom Ring” Tours?

The American “Deep” South played host to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s that changed the face of America forever. The heritage of African Americans in the South is more than just the sum of their political struggles, however. The fabric of American music is a patchwork of traditions mainly rooted in the cultures of enslaved peoples brought to the region from Africa. Perhaps most notable is the uniquely American tradition known today as Negro spirituals, first introduced by the Fisk Jubilee Singers as “slave songs” in 1871. Explore the origins of blues, jazz, R&B and rock ‘n’ roll, and see landmarks in the lives of American musical legends like BB King, Muddy Waters, James Brown and Nina Simone. Follow in the footsteps of heroes like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as you explore the noble and painful past of the African American experience, and be sure to enjoy the rich musical and culinary culture of the American South along the way.

From the Mountain Top to the Promised Land – Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia

A Radiant Hope in Trying Hours – Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia

“I, Too, Sing America” – South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, DC

Classical Movements expresses its gratitude to Dr. Edwin Johnson of Morgan State University and the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture for his consultation and for ensuring the accuracy, respect and accountability of these itineraries

What Makes a “Let Freedom Ring” Tour Unique?

• Patronage of African American-owned restaurants and businesses wherever possible
• Talks and workshops by local African American historical and cultural figures
• Exchanges and workshops with local experts in African American and/or American roots music
• A portion of every trip cost will go directly to the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) - www.4caapa.org

Journeying through southern cities such as Birmingham, Memphis, or Atlanta to explore civil rights history, social consciousness, and the music of my people, is a deeply moving and exhilarating experience for anyone who calls themselves American.  Music moves us…music defines us…music inspires us.  These tours come face to face with the history, melodies, and music that motivated our ancestors and continue to move us today. It is an honor and blessing to be a beneficiary of this program, and we look forward to working with Classical Movements to engage African American performers and educators. Please join us for “Let Freedom Ring: Journeys Through the Civil Rights Movements and the Roots of American Music.”

- Terri Allen, Executive Director

Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA)

About Classical Movements

The premier concert tour company for the world’s great orchestras and choirs, Classical Movements creates meaningful cultural experiences through music in 145 countries. An industry leader for over a quarter-century, Classical Movements organizes more than 60 tours every year, producing some 200 concerts every season. Producer of two international choral festivals—Ihlombe! in South Africa and Serenade! in Washington, D.C.—and the Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival, in addition, Classical Movements’ Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program has commissioned 97 works from Grammy, Oscar and Pulitzer Prize-winning composers. Winner of Americans for the Arts’ BCA10: Best Businesses Partnering with the Arts Award, since its founding in 1992, as a truly global company, Classical Movements remains committed to facilitating cultural diplomacy across the world—promoting peace through the medium of music.

Press Contact

Adam Jackson
Artistic Planning and Executive Assistant to the President
1 (703) 683-6040, ext. 201
Adam@classicalmovements.com