August 4, 2025

Shawn Okpebholo Premieres ‘A Mighty Long Way’ at 250Lex Celebration

News Summary

Composer Shawn Okpebholo will debut his orchestral suite ‘A Mighty Long Way’ during the 250Lex celebration. This event, honoring Lexington’s 250th anniversary, features the Lexington Philharmonic and includes pre-show activities. The concert reflects the city’s culture, touching on themes of celebration and historical narratives.

Lexington Native Shawn Okpebholo Premieres “A Mighty Long Way” at 250Lex Celebration on September 7, 2025

Lexington, KY – Renowned composer Shawn Okpebholo will debut his newest orchestral suite, “A Mighty Long Way,” during the 250Lex: A Concert for Lexington on September 7, 2025. This performance is part of Lexington’s 250th anniversary celebration, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The orchestral suite will be performed by the Lexington Philharmonic at the Singletary Center, which will also host a range of pre-show activities open to the public. These activities will include live music, family entertainment, and a dialogue between Okpebholo and Philanthropic Music Director Mélisse Brunet. The main concert begins at 3 PM, while pre-show festivities kick off at 1 PM. Admission to the pre-show activities does not require tickets; however, registration is necessary for free tickets to the concert, which have quickly reached capacity, resulting in a waitlist and a simulcast performance in the Recital Hall.

Okpebholo, a Lexington native with over two decades of experience in the music industry, is recognized for his captivating compositions, described as “devastatingly beautiful” by critics. In 2025, he received the Goddard Lieberson Fellowship from the Academy of Arts & Letters, further establishing his influence in classical music. Last year, he was honored as “Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music” by a major publication and has collaborated with various esteemed organizations, including the Nashville Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

“A Mighty Long Way” features four distinct movements that delve into various facets of Lexington’s culture, encompassing the city’s famous horses, bourbon, bluegrass music, and its solemn history associated with the slave auction site at Cheapside. Okpebholo emphasizes the need to address complex narratives and themes within his work, and this suite serves as a thoughtful reflection on both the celebratory and challenging aspects of the city’s legacy.

The concert will also showcase performances by Ben Sollee, Joslyn and the Sweet Compression, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, who will present their piece “Anthem for Lexington.” These collective performances aim to engage the community and underscore the significance of collaboration in Okpebholo’s artistic process.

Previously, during his tenure as composer-in-residence for the Lexington Philharmonic in the 2023-2024 season, he debuted another significant work titled “Two Black Churches,” which explored themes related to church bombings in the South. This focus on illuminating historical narratives continues in “A Mighty Long Way,” as Okpebholo strives to weave together both serious contemplations and playful celebrations of the city through music.

Shawn Okpebholo’s illustrious career includes numerous compositions commissioned by prestigious institutions, such as the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the United States Air Force Strings, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the art of music. As he prepares for the highly anticipated premiere of “A Mighty Long Way,” excitement is building within the community, eager to witness this artistic endeavor celebrating Lexington’s rich and complex history.