PRIZM Chamber Orchestra’s June 19 concert (at historic Clayborn Temple) will feature a stunning work by Joel Thompson called “Seven Last Words of the Unarmed,” for orchestra and men’s chorus under the direction of Roderick Vester. Mr. Thompson’s work is a musical eulogy of sorts to unarmed black men killed in America. The piece’s movements have names such as Trayvon Martin, Amadou Diallo, Michael Brown, and Eric Garner. In addition to the Thompson work, the Clayborn Temple concert will feature images provided by the Ernest Withers Gallery as well as appearances by Justin Merrick and Dr. Charles McKinney among others. The event will close with “Glory” (Common and John Legend’s Oscar-winning song for the film Selma), emphasizing the hope, dreams, and resilience rooted in what it means to be American. Justin Merrick will be featured as the vocal soloist.

An additional special treat awaits attendees for the June 19 (Juneteenth) performance at Clayborn Temple, as we partner with the Ernest Withers Gallery to feature a selection of never-before-seen archival photos of the Sanitation Worker's Strike in Memphis and Clayborn Temple.