The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, A Time for Jubilee (Nkeiru Okoye)
“A Time for Jubilee” is a newly commissioned orchestral and choral work by composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye, presented by the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra as part of the America250 commemoration. The work honors the legacy of the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery marches and the enduring spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, illuminating themes of courage, resilience, and renewal through music.
Written for soprano soloist, chorus, and full orchestra, “ A Time for Jubilee” interweaves the language of African American spirituals with contemporary symphonic textures to depict a journey from struggle to triumph. Through vivid orchestration and powerful choral writing, Okoye evokes both collective determination and individual hope, guiding listeners toward a vision of unity and promise.
The world premiere will take place on February 9, 2026 as part of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks III: A Time for Jubilee program, alongside Aaron Copland’s “The Tender Land Suite” and Adolphus Hailstork’s “American Port of Call.” The performance will feature the student choirs of Alabama State University and Tuskegee University, representing Alabama’s historic HBCUs and strengthening the work’s cultural and educational impact.
Commissioned as part of the Alabama Composers Project, “A Time for Jubilee” stands as a landmark artistic statement—celebrating Alabama’s pivotal role in shaping the American story. In alignment with the America250 initiative, it invites audiences to reflect on the nation’s ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality and to experience the power of music as a unifying force for remembrance, dialogue, and hope.
About the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (MSO)
The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra (MSO), based in Montgomery, Alabama, enriches the cultural life of central Alabama through outstanding symphonic performances, educational outreach, and community engagement. Under the leadership of Music Director and Conductor Jamie Reeves, the MSO presents a diverse concert season featuring masterworks, pops, and special events, alongside programs that nurture the next generation of musicians. Educational initiatives include the Montgomery Music Project, the Montgomery Youth Orchestra, and the Fellowship Recital Series. Through these efforts, the MSO remains committed to accessibility, artistic excellence, and cultural collaboration—serving as a vital cornerstone of the region’s artistic community and a source of inspiration for audiences of all ages.
Personnel
Maestro Jamie Reeves, MSO Music Director and Conductor
Dr. Nkeiru Okoye, composer and librettist
Laquita Mitchell, soprano soloist
Kristofer Sanchack, Alabama State University Associate Professor and Choir Director
Dr. Wayne Barr, Tuskegee University Head of Department of Fine and Performing Arts and Choral Director
MSO Musicians
Dr. Bryan Reeves, Executive Director
Andrea Crowley, Operations Manager