"Anthracite Fields" in Scranton

To celebrate the 250^th anniversary of anthracite, the Lackawanna Historical Society will present, for the first time in Lackawanna County, a full performance of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning oratorio “Anthracite Fields” at Peoples Security Bank Theater at Lackawanna College on Saturday, November 10, 7:30pm. The oratorio, composed by Julia Wolfe, draws on oral histories, speeches, geographic descriptions, local rhymes, and a coal advertisement as well as personal interviews Wolfe conducted with former miners and their descendants. Wolfe will also act as the guest speaker at the Society’s Annual Dinner on November 8, 6pm. We’re excited to offer both as a way to celebrate anthracite heritage.

 

Online purchasing of the "Anthracite Fields" oratorio tickets are closed. Tickets can be purchase at the door on Saturday, November 10, 7:30pm $30 (Student Ticket $20)

 

You may also send payment and dinner meal option to: Lackawanna Historical Society at 232 Monroe Ave, Scranton Pa 18510.

• Thursday, November 8, 6pm:  LHS Annual Dinner
  The Anthracite Center
  41 North Main Street, Carbondale, PA 18407

Join us for our Annual Dinner on Thursday, November 8 at 6 pm at the Anthracite Center in Carbondale. We will be celebrating the Anthracite 250th Anniversary and the November 10th Lackawanna County premiere of “Anthracite Fields” with guest speaker Julia Wolfe, the composer.  Wolfe will discuss her inspiration for the piece and discuss the reaction of audiences across the country. As always, we will also announce our Volunteer of the Year at the dinner. We look forward to seeing you there!

DINNER OPTIONS:

Chicken Francaise

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Dijon Encrusted Salmon

Eggplant Parmesan

• Saturday, November 10, 7:30pm: Anthracite Fields
  Lackawanna College
  Peoples Security Bank Theater
  501 Vine Street Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509

The performance will be presented by Bang on a Can All Stars, the original ensemble who toured with Wolfe when she released the piece, as well as the choir of Trinity Wall Street.  The hour-long piece combines elements of classical and folk music and consists of five movements:

"Foundation," honoring those who have died in mining accidents in Pennsylvania through 1869 to 1916
"Breaker Boys," a tribute to young boys working in coal breakers and using cowbell and bicycle pedals to portray the sound of coal falling into the breakers to give the piece a 'rock feel'
"Speech" is based on a speech by John L. Lewis, who fought for safe working conditions for these miners
"Flowers" was created and inspired by an interview conducted with Barbara Powell who is the daughter and granddaughter of the miners. In an interview, she stated, “We all had gardens” and began listing flower names.
"Appliances" is the last movement, using words from a coal-powered railroad ad, and focusing on coal as a source to fuel the nation.

The program will present Scranton audiences with an opportunity to experience a nationally recognized and awarded oratorio that deals with a local and much discussed topic:  the Anthracite Industry. Too often in NEPA, people look back on this history with a negative feeling but by presenting a musical piece that was created out of that same story, local residents can be encouraged to take pride in their past and celebrate our Anthracite legacy.

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