OKCPHIL to release ‘Of Thee I Sing’

Most Oklahomans have a story about the events that took place on April 19, 1995. Almost from the begin‐ning, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic played a part in helping heal a grieving city and nation, performing for the memorial service the Sunday immedi‐ately after the bombing.

Now as we approach yet another anniversary, the OKCPHIL will release a new CD commemorating the event.

“Of Thee I Sing” began as a tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Composer Jonathan Leshnoff was commissioned to write the music, which was partially record‐ed before being sidelined by the Covid pandemic. Last year, the final pieces were recorded and the album is set for an April release on the Naxos record label.

“Jonathan’s music has an energetic, driving beginning,” said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate. “At some point it stops, the choir comes in and the music starts to transcend the hor‐ rors to give a sense of healing.”

Another piece on the record is Leshnoff’s violin concerto with the con‐certmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, Noah Bendix‐Balgley as soloist. The third work is called “Elegy,” music that was composed for last year’s Yom HaShoah event.

“I believe music inspires, heals, tran‐scends, excites, consoles,” Mickelthwate said. “But it also creates a sense of identity and pride. With the release of this recording, the Philharmonic is starting a new tradi‐tion of creating new works based on Oklahoma stories. Stories that are local, but have a national or even inter‐national quality. We will become story‐tellers through music. Through our orchestra, music, sounds and rhythms go straight to the heart. And by record‐ing we make it timeless.”

Mickelthwate has embraced Oklahoma City, and says the Memorial creates in him an openness that allows him to become receptive for inner

quiet and peace.

“The Memorial not only transcends the horrors of that day, but gives space to see all sorts of things from a wider and deeper perspective,” he said. “A garden of meditation. How appropriate and needed for our times.”

“Of Thee I Sing” is set for release April 21, and will be available world‐wide on all major streaming platforms, download services, major physical CD retailers, and in CD stores and record shops across the country.