New & Dangerous Opinions of Roger Williams

New and Dangerous Opinions of Roger Williams

At the Pawtucket Arts Festival

Aurea Ensemble launches the Fall season with a performance of “New and Dangerous Opinions of Roger William,” during The Pawtucket Arts Festival, September 7, at 4pm, Old Slater Mill, Blackstone River Valley National Historic Park, Pawtucket, RI. Pre-registration is required. (Eventbrite link) Seating is limited.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence taking place next year, “New and Dangerous Opinions of Roger Williams” is set during the founding of Rhode Island, a dramatic political and philosophical time in colonial America. The program shines a light on his contemporary relevance, his ground-breaking revolutionary ideas, and his deeply respectful alliance with the native indigenous inhabitants. The show utilizes Aurea’s signature blending of music and poetry to create a transcendent story that includes English and American hymns, traditional and modern music, and Williams own writings and translations of Narragansett poetry. The string ensemble will perform music by Purcell, Handel, Charles Ives, Barbara Kolb, with readings by Nigel Gore and Chris Turner punctuated by Turner’s exuberant harmonica improvisations.

Aurea is a string ensemble engaged in a joyous pursuit to investigate and invigorate the harmony of music and the spoken word. Its concerts combine poetry, drama, stories, classical and folk music into performances that sweep from intimate chamber settings to major theatrical venues. The group has performed in Rhode Island and nationwide for more than 20 years.

Nigel Gore, Spoken Word
Chris Turner, Spoken Word and Harmonica
Matthew Vera, Sarah Whitney, violins
Consuelo Sherba, Viola
Emmanuel Feldman, cello