A Time for Jubilee
A choral drama
About
Music and Libretto by Nkeiru Okoye
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes
Forces: Soprano soloist, SATB chorus, and orchestra
Genre: Theatrical concert work / oratorio
Themes: Civil Rights Movement, voting rights, community activism, endurance, justice, memory, collective responsibility, hope
Commission: Commissioned by the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra during Nkeiru Okoye's tenure as the 2025-2026 William Levi Dawson Composer-in-Residence, in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March.
Score and parts available through Theodore Presser
Story
A Time for Jubilee traces the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March through three dramatic arcs: Causation, Endurance, and Declaration. Beginning with the killing of Jimmie Lee Jackson in Marion, Alabama, the work follows the movement through Selma, Lowndes County, and Montgomery, illuminating the courage, sacrifice, and collective action that reshaped American democracy. Drawing upon freedom songs, spirituals, gospel, blues, and orchestral traditions, the work presents Jubilee not as a completed victory, but as an ongoing call to justice and civic responsibility.
"“A truly special night of American music and a world premiere that left a lasting impression… Composer-in-residence Nkeiru Okoye delivered a powerful and joyful work, beautifully led by conductor Jamie Reeves.”
— Andrew Szymanski, Montgomery City Council Member "
Media
Watch
These three excerpts provide an overview of A Time for Jubilee. The complete livestreamed performance is also available on YouTube.
Listen
NPR’s Caroline Hutchingson interviews Nkeiru Okoye with Conductor Jamie Reeves about A Time for Jubilee and the legacy of the Selma-to-Montgomery March, on In FOCUS
Programming Notes
Ideal for:
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Orchestras and choruses
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Civic commemorations and anniversaries
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Universities and educational institutions
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Community engagement initiatives
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Programs exploring American history, democracy, and social justice
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Black History Month programming
Post-performance discussions and community conversations are strongly encouraged.
Booking & Materials
Interested in presenting this work?
Book Dr. Okoye for artist residencies, performance-practice coaching, pre-concert talks, audience engagement activities, educational programs, and special events.
Dr. Okoye is available for artist residencies, performer coaching, educational programs, audience engagement activities, post-performance conversations, and special events
Booking & Artist Engagement
Eva Artistic Managementeva@evaartisticmanagement.com
Scores & Parts
Composer Nkeiru Okoye takes a bow with soprano Laquita Mitchell and conductor Jamie Reeves at the world premiere of A Time for Jubilee.