Paul Moravec: Sanctuary Road
World Premiere: May 7, 2018 at Carnegie Hall with the Oratorio Society of New York
“Sanctuary Road” is an episodic journey through history, narrated by William Still, a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Still, played by bass-baritone Dashon Burton, ushers the audience through the historic and deeply heartfelt experience.
“The bass-baritone of Dashon Burton was filled with dignity as William Still, whose writings provided the source for the libretto and he provided a sure and solid sound to narrate the story–sad, worried but always moving forward.”
“Burton’s stalwart voice was never lost within the enormous choir even in climactic moments; it managed to equal, but never exceed it. While he never steps directly into the spotlight, Burton’s presence was felt from beginning to end, all of this fittingly concluded as… a joyful, revelatory quintet of the principal singers and the chorus; they all exulted in one unified cry of “Shout from every rooftop, loud as can be: Free.”