Sing a Happy 250th Birthday to

WILLIAM BILLINGS

1746-1800

Preeminent Composer of
Colonial and Revolutionary America

Central Burying Ground on
Boston Common
Sunday, October 6, 1996
1 pm - 4 pm rain or shine

Singers of all levels of experience are invited
to celebrate by singing the music
of this unique Yankee genius

No Admission Charge!
Free to singers and to listeners alike!
Music will be provided! (Follow this link to the list of works to be sung.)

Absolutely no prior acquaintance with Billings required!

NB The singing to be led, in the spirit of a traditional American singing school, by a distinguished group of choral music, early music, and American music specialists--and by anyone else who volunteers.

Directions:

We will sing near the place where Billings is traditionally thought to be buried. Look for the brass plaque commemorating Billings at the entry gate to the Central Burying Ground, located on the Common near the intersection of Boylston and Tremont Streets. It's an easy walk of less than one block from Boylston station on the MBTA Green Line. On-street parking within walking distance might be manageable on a Sunday; if not, parking garages are located nearby.

For more information, call Ginnie Ely (508) 664-1344 or e-mail Roland Hutchinson, rhutchin@email.njin.net

[PLEASE NOTE: E-MAIL ADDRESSES GIVEN IN THIS DOCUMENT, WRITTEN IN 1996, ARE NOW OBSOLETE. WRITE TO gssh@altavista.net FOR MORE INFORMATION.]

Qualified persons who want to volunteer to take a turn leading are urged to communicate with the organizers at their earliest convenience.

To receive an 8.5 x 11 inch hardcopy flyer with eye-catching graphics, suitable for posting on music department and choir bulletin boards, send your postal address and the number of copies required to rhutchin@email.njin.net

The full text of a press release about this event is also available, as is a longer background article about Billings and the reception of his music in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Of related interest

• The 21st Annual New England Sacred Harp Singing at Wellesley College, October 4 and 5 will undoubtedly include the usual healthy dose of Billings. A large contingent of Sacred Harp singers from the U.S. and the U.K. is expected at the Billings event on the Common.
  
• Those fortunate enough to be able to remain in Boston beyond the weekend will have another chance to sing and hear Billings' music. The Tuesday Noon Hour Recital Series at King's Chapel will host an open public singing on Tuesday, October 8, 1996 at 11 am. (Please note new, earlier starting time.) The singing will be led by members of Norumbega Harmony and friends from Britain and America.

Presented by the Ad Hoc Billings Birthday Committee with the cooperation and assistance of Boston Early Music News and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.