World premiere of new music marks 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral
World premiere of new music marks 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral
Performed by the St Paul’s Cathedral Consort directed by Andrew Carwood MBE, the anthem entitled ‘Three Dimensions’, was composed by Roderick Williams, with text written by poet and playwright Rommi Smith.
The anthem’s words were inspired by a sermon King gave at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1964. King delivered his sermon, ‘The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life’, to a 4,000-strong congregation during a flying visit to London on his way to collect his Nobel Peace Prize in Norway.
Speaking on the significance of the anthem, Dr Rommi Smith said:
“It is an honour to write in response to the work of Dr Martin Luther King. My words, set to Roderick Williams’ sonorous, spiritual score, have been heard within the same acoustics in which King originally preached. His sermon, delivered at St Paul’s Cathedral sixty years ago, inspires not only the Anthem’s title, but its central theme of seeking a deeper, multi-faceted sense of existence. It’s a privilege to work with Roderick Williams on this commission for St Paul’s Cathedral, in honour of Dr King; one of the great civil rights leaders and orators of all time. His message and mission then, is still as profoundly relevant, now.”
Composer Roderick Williams OBE said:
“I am privileged and humbled to have been selected to write an anthem to celebrate the anniversary of Martin Luther King's visit to St Paul's Cathedral. There is a small, select group of people who have changed the course of history primarily through the power of their oration: recordings of MLK's speeches and sermons profoundly move me and I hope I have been able to capture in music the charisma and cadence of his speaking.
“This project has given me another wonderful opportunity to collaborate with poet Rommi Smith who has once again produced a text full of personal reflection, poignant allusion and acute integrity.”
The performance was accompanied by a sermon delivered by the Reverend Canon Dr Catherine Okoronkwo, Residentiary Canon and Steward of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Speaking about the service, the Reverend Canon Dr Catherine Okoronkwo said:
“Hearing Three Dimensions performed for the first time by St Paul’s magnificent musicians was a fitting and powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Rommi Smith’s words and Roderick William’s composition captured the profound impact of King’s teaching and his Christian vision of justice, equality and love. As we reflect on his visit to our pulpit 60 years ago, we continue to be inspired by his message and his struggle against injustice in all its forms.”
Commissioned by the Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral, the anthem was a significant part of St Paul’s programming to commemorate the historic anniversary and celebrate the ongoing resonance of Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s teachings and principles.
