For soprano, violin, cello, and piano. Duration 11 minutes. Based on a text by the composer. A plea for escape from the brutal storm of racism. Commissioned by the African American Composer Initiative. Price includes two copies of the score and parts for violin and cello. 36 pages +

Suitable for programming by collegiate and professional ensembles.Recorded on Cambria CD1238 “Where Freedom Rings: Compositions by Contemporary African American Composers,” Jeannie Gayle Pool, producerLive concert video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOST73wJUV0

Program notes for Where Freedom Rings: In 2010 The African American Composer Initiative commissioned Joshua McGhee, shortly after his graduation from California State University East Bay, to compose a work for soprano Yolanda Rhodes and Picasso Ensemble that would pay homage to the heritage of African American composers. McGhee chose to write his own text and titled the piece “Where Freedom Rings.” The premiere performance took place on January 30, 2011, at the Performing Arts Center of Eastside College Preparatory School, East Palo Alto, on a program entitled “Music by African American Composers: Yesterday and Today.”

McGhee: “Where Freedom Rings is an inspirational piece that evokes the pain experienced and the strength acquired through perseverance in the face of obstacles. The piece has a universal message about overcoming any painful situation, yet really focuses on overcoming the id, as in life sometimes the hardest obstacle to overcome is oneself.” The text, written by McGhee, is as follows:

Come my motherCome my sonLet us flee this brutal storm.

May the sun shine tomorrow

and nurture the strength they've seen

Let us go to where freedom rings.

May our voices be heard

Our presence felt

May our wounds be our guiding light.

This road shall be long

This I know'Cause my skin has told me so.

Come my motherCome my sonLet us flee this brutal storm.

We shall search for the rainbow darkness may bring

Let us go to where freedom rings.

Let us go to where freedom rings.