Lecture-recital: Paul Robeson's life and music

Assaf Levitin Bass-Baritone
N.N. Piano


"old man river" was composed for his voice. He turned down George Gershwin's offer to sing the world premiere of "Porgy and Bess" as Porgy. He was a Football legend, a member of the all-american team 1918. He was one of the first afro-americans to graduate Columbia University's lawschool. The CIA had followed him for years, treated him as public enemy. He was a world celebrity, not only for his incredible voice, but also for his uncompromising fight for human rights and equal rights for the Afro-American people of the United States of America.
Who was Paul Robeson?
This fascinating lecture-recital by bass-baritone singer Assaf Levitin presents both the extraodinary life of a unique personality, whose personal success and good life did not distract him from seeing and speaking for the less fortunate, thus willing to sacrifice himself for a grater cause. Side by side, this show presents Paul Robeson's lifestory with his music, some of it known to everybode, some of it very surprising.

Among the songs performed in this evening:


Go down, Moses
Old Man River
Song of the Volga Boatsman
Jerusalem
Chassidic Chant

and many more Negro spirituals and folk songs from Paul Robeson's enormous repertoire.