Consortium for New Work on John Henry by Shanyse Strickland
John Henry remains an enduring icon of Appalachian and Southern folklore, representing the confluence of the post-bellum South and the Westward expansion of the industrial revolution. This composition seeks to acknowledge traditions from the communities who have sustained Henry’s tale while breathing new life into his legend through Strickland’s unique voice.
Led by Clayton Heath, this commissioning consortium will fund a new, three-movement work by composer Shanyse Strickland for Tenor and Bass Trombone with mixed string ensemble and percussion, approximately 6:30 in duration.
The registration and payment deadline to join the John Henry Commission consortium is December 1, 2024. Registration will remain open for Pre-Sale Supporters, Donors, and Notification starting December 2, 2024. All payments go directly to the composer.