Featuring the R. Nathaniel Dett’s masterwork “The Chariot Jubilee”, the Augusta Choral Society presents it Diamond Jubilee concert Saturday.
Dett (1882–1943) was a Black composer, choir leader, pianist, teacher, poet and writer. He was one of the “most significant Black composers of the 20th century” according to Dr. Marcel Ramalho, the choral society’s artistic director and conductor, in a news release. “’The Chariot Jubilee’ transforms the traditional spiritual ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot’ into a grand cantata.”
The piece showcases a prominent tenor soloist, and Brandon Ball, Grovetown High School’s director of choirs, will be featured in that role.
“Selecting this rarely performed piece for our 75th year was a deeply intentional choice as the ACS celebrates its own ‘jubilee’ this season. This work honors the richness of the American choral tradition and the diverse voices that have shaped it. It is a work of immense emotional power and technical brilliance – a true ‘showstopper’ for our diamond anniversary,” Ramalho said.
Other works include J.S. Bach’s sacred motet, “O Jesu Christ, Meins Lebens Licht”, BWV 118, and W.A. Mozart’s exuberant “Mass in C Major” (Coronation Mass), K. 317.
Founded by Emily Remington, who died in July 2020, at the age of 103, the Augusta Choral Society performed Christmas selections from “Messiah” its first concert on Dec. 11, 1951 at Curtis Baptist Church, according to the program at the choral society’s website..
Saturday’s concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cultural Center. Tickets are available here. A champagne reception follows the concert.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
