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Neal Thornton
The Pavao string quartet
Sir Willard White
Sir Willard White and Neal Thornton explore more of the repertoire and life story of this important icon of the last century. Paul Robeson epitomised the energy and integrity of the major figures who raised awareness of equality and human rights in the mid-twentieth century. The story of his example is moving and still very relevant to today’s world.
Willard White’s captivating voice and charismatic presence, and clear love of the music and life of Paul Robeson, made his concert programme “A Tribute to Paul Robeson” a wonderful evening in the theatre. This new show follows on with the same group of outstanding accompanying musicians (including Guy Barker on trumpet) augmented by the Pavão String Quartet, to bring orchestral textures to Neal’s tailor-made arrangements of more popular songs from the Paul Robeson songbook.
The programme includes Negro spirituals, British folk song, and classic early jazz songs. The concert concludes with his rendition of ‘Ol’ Man River’. Willard White takes on the mantle of the legendary Paul Robeson with the quality of a master craftsman.
Paul Robeson
The Times
“…in his ardent, animating tribute, White seemed to burn the songs’ meanings into his listeners’ psyches. Dignity, dramatic intensity and a voice that, were it a tree, could only be a deeply grounded and majestic redwood are also the characteristics of White.”
Los Angeles Times
Some enchanted evening
Get on board little children
My curly headed baby
Steal away
Robeson Re-Explored
Any enquiries about the show to IMG Artists