Singing City, the Dave Brubeck Quartet, and soloists Kevin Deas and Mark Bleeke, backed by the an outstanding group of brass and percussion players conducted by Russell Gloyd presented Brubeck's The Gates of Justice on May 5 and 6 at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. The choir also performed the Philadelphia premiere of Brubeck's new work, The Commandments and recorded the work for the Milliken Foundation.

Written during the massive societal upheavals of the 1960s, The Gates of Justice takes on issues of racism and violence that are as contemporary today as they were then. As Russell Gloyd told the choir, "If you want to understand this work, just open tomorrow's paper." But Brubeck's work is as much about peace as it is about hatred. As the composer himself said, "I hoped through the juxtaposition of a variety of musical styles to construct a bridge upon which the universal theme of brotherhood could be communicated."

The Commandments grew out of Brubeck's experiences as a soldier in World War II. Confronting the horrors of war led Brubeck to wonder how such inhumanity could exist among people who shared fundamental beliefs in God. The Commandments represents Brubeck's call to all of us to heed the word of God as expressed in these basic laws.

Both of these works are reflective of Singing City's mission to bring people of all backgrounds together through music. Singing City carries out that mission in schools, care facilities, prisons, and community concerts throughout the Philadelphia area and, indeed, the world. The concert itself was a perfect blend of Brubeck's musical genius, superb professional performers, and Singing City's commitment to justice and brotherhood. Audience members were moved to make comments such as, "Electrifying, "Monumental," "A magnificent experience." One audience member commented that, "As a listener, I have never been more moved than I was by The Gates of Justice."

In a world where hate so often seems to triumph over love, Dave Brubeck and Singing City "opened the gates" to a vision of a world of peace where brothers and sisters can live in a land of freedom.