The official name of the Shakers was the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, but the sect came to be call Shakers due to their agitated movements during worship. The sect, closely associated with the Quakers, came to America from England in 1774 fleeing religious persecution. In addition to their unorthodox form of worship, they created a legacy of beautiful music.

In this concert the St. Luke’s Choir will feature several arrangements of Shaker music from composer and arranger Kevin Siegfried. One of the Shaker songs, “Simple Gifts (The Gift to Be Simple),” has become widely known having incorporated it into Aaron Copland’s ballet Appalachian Spring

To learn more about the Shakers and
their music visit:

www.maineshakers.com/music/

Once you click the link, you will need to
scroll down the page to listen to snippets
of Early Shaker Spirituals