Masterworks Chorale to Premiere 'Sprinkle Coal Dust' in Shepherdstown
World premiere of Mine Wars production to kick off at Shepherd University
The Spirit of Jefferson | Friday, April 25, 2025
The Masterworks Chorale will unveil the world premiere of Walker Williams' oratorio, “Sprinkle Coal Dust on My Grave,” at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown. This 45-minute piece highlights the historic Mine Wars, a pivotal labor struggle for union rights faced by coal miners in the early 20th century, particularly around the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain. Rooted in West Virginia's rich Appalachian culture, the production incorporates traditional instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and bass, reflecting the area's unique heritage and the significance of the labor movement in the region.
