The Metropolitan Museum of Art is set to debut a groundbreaking musical work that sheds light on the historical context of composer George Frideric Handel's music. The commissioned piece, titled 'Handel: Made in America,' explores the connection between Handel's work and the British Empire's trading companies that profited from the exploitation of enslaved people.
The Met, known for its rich collection of art and cultural artifacts, believes Handel's music transcended boundaries of genre and social class, captivating the British masses during his time. However, Handel's rise to fame was intertwined with the growth of the British Empire, the most influential global superpower of history. In Georgian England, the same trading companies that funded arts and culture amassed their wealth through the trade of exotic goods, and notably, the enslavement of individuals.
The new composition, presented through the lens of Handel's life and works, coincides with the reopening of the Met's ten British galleries. These galleries, spanning an impressive 11,000 square feet and housing nearly 700 British decorative arts, design, and sculptures from the 16th to the 19th century, were renovated as part of the museum's 150th-anniversary celebration and reopened in March 2020.
'Handel: Made in America' is described as an intimate and revealing journey that explores themes of art, power, history, and family. Created by musician and storyteller Terrance McKnight, the composition weaves together McKnight's personal experiences as a young African-American man inspired by classical music with the story of Handel's world and the people who shaped it. The musical work features a stellar cast, including soprano Latonia Moore, mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, tenor Noah Stewart, and bass-baritone Davone Tines.
In an interview with Forbes, McKnight, who is also the evening host of WQXR, NYPR Network's classical music radio station, and the host of its podcast 'Every Voice with Terrance McKnight,' explained that the concept for the composition was proposed by Limor Tomer, the general manager of Met Live Arts, during the reopening of the British galleries.
At the heart of the composition is the message that as human beings, we have the capacity to pursue what stirs our hearts and make transformative pivots in our careers, as Handel did. McKnight also highlighted the opportunity for the younger members of the chorus to work and perform alongside opera stars, creating a unique and special experience for them.
Terrance McKnight is not only an accomplished artist but also an artistic advisor for the Harlem Chamber Players and serves on the boards of the Bagby Foundation and MacDowell Colony. Coming from a family deeply involved in activism and spirituality, McKnight's background, which includes studying at Morehouse College and Georgia State University, as well as being part of the music faculty at Morehouse, informs his creative approach.
As the Metropolitan Museum of Art continues to push boundaries and offer thought-provoking exhibitions, 'Handel: Made in America' stands as a testament to the power of art to delve into complex historical narratives and inspire conversations about our shared human experience. With its world premiere event on February 15th and 16th, the Met invites music and history enthusiasts to partake in this innovative exploration.
