Brampton On Stage Presents The Hymns to Freedom Project Featuring the Legendary Jackie Richardson

BY PAUL JUNOR

It will be an enriching, illuminating and inspiring evening on Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at the Rose Mainstage in Brampton. Once again Brampton On Stage Presents The Hymns to Freedom Project featuring the illustrious, legendary and iconic Jackie Richardson. It will be a wonderful showcase of the power of music to foster a sense of: connection, belonging and togetherness through the bonds of our shared humanity.

The promotional material highlights aspects of the show that will make it a memorable evening. It states,“Interweaving Classical Music and Negro Spirituals, the compositions echo the resilience of the human spirit. Through music, the project confronts the shadows of history, juxtaposing tension and resolution against contemporary racial environments. Amidst discords, the project serves as a timely reminder of enduring values-love, respect, and unity- and boldly asserts that love and unity triumph over hatred and division.”

I interviewed the multifaceted: musician, educator and producer, Corey Butler on Thursday, October 31st, 2024 regarding the upcoming show. He is excited to be a part of this production. He has been involved since 2018 and he has witnessed first-hand the many aspects and facets that make this show inspirational, motivational, and educational. Butler comments on what it is like to work with Richardson over the years. He is enthralled to be part of the phenomenal and sensational Hymns to Freedom Project as a composer and is looking forward to some of the changes to this year’s production.

Butler mentioned that this is the first time that the show will be done in November. It is usually presented during Black History Month in February. He believes that the themes that are reflected in the show are powerful reminders during our turbulent time to focus on: love, respect, reconciliation and our shared humanity. We are “Better together.”

Jackie Richardson has been recognized as one of Canada’s foremost singers of: gospel, blues and jazz who has performed in: concert, radio, television and recordings. The organization 100 Accomplished Black Canadian mentioned that she received the: NAACP, Juno, Betty, Dora, Jesse, Gemini, and South Africa Worker for Woman Awards. In addition, she has received the: Lifetime Achievement Awards from The Toronto Blues Society, The Canadian Black Achievement Awards, the Ken Page Memorial Trust and The Canadian Equity Association. She is described by The Canadian Encyclopedia as, “Canada’s reigning queen of jazz, blues and gospel. She was made an honorary member of the Order of Canada in 2021.

The Instagram account of Brampton On Stage describes details about other individuals with The Hymns to Freedom project. It describes Thompson Egbo-Egbo as an, “Accomplished pianist and composer, Thompson’s music resonates with themes of resilience, joy, and community. Through his foundation, he supports arts education for youth, believing that all children should have access to music’s transformative power.”

Narrator Ordena Stephens Thompson is described as, “An award-winning actress and acting coach, Ordena has graced the stage and screen with her talents, from theater to TV shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and Designated Survivor. Her work is a tribute to the power of storytelling.”