Ruckus
Davóne Tines, bass-baritone
Recitalist Series
Ruckus
Davóne Tines, bass-baritone
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Ruckus and Davóne Tines invite us to reflect: What is your hand in this? Through a bold reimagining of songs, hymns, and ballads spanning four centuries, this arresting program confronts the tensions and aspirations at the heart of the American experiment. With Ruckus—“the world’s only period-instrument rock band” (San Francisco Classical Voice)—and the “immense power and fervor” (Los Angeles Times) of boundary-breaking vocalist Davóne Tines, the performance channels the spirit of revolution to pose timeless questions of justice, compassion, and community.
This performance is presented in cooperation with the Washington Bach Consort.
Reserved Seating: Washington Performing Arts Subscribers will have a reserved section of preferred seating on the main sanctuary level. Single Ticket/General Admission ticket holders will have access to a general admission section, which may be upstairs in the balcony section. There are partial-view seats on the balcony level. Seating within each level is offered on a first-come basis.
Program Details
Stephen Foster (1826-1864) – “Beautiful Dreamer”
Douglas Adam August Balliett (b.1982) – Overture from Compassion Preludes (2025)
Balliett – The Four F’s from Compassion Preludes
Traditional / arr. Davóne Tines (b. 1986) – “Be the Lover of My Soul”
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) – Concerto Grosso No. 10 in D Minor, op 6: ii
Balliett – Scherzo from Compassion Preludes
John Dickinson (1732-1808) / arr. Balliett – “The Liberty Song”
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759) – Concerto Grosso No. 10 in D Minor, op 6: iv
George W. Clark (unknown) – “What Mean Ye?” (1845)
Sawney Freeman (1769-1828) – “A New Death March”
Joshua McCarter Simpson, arr. Tines & Ruckus – “To The White People of America”
Freeman – The Rays of Liberty (1801?)
Allan & Robinson / arr. Tines & Balliett – “The House I Live In”
Balliett – “Federal Nations”
Benjamin Carr (1768-1831) – “The Federal Overture” (1794)
Handel – “Why do the Nations so Furiously Rage” from Messiah
Julius Eastman (1940-1990) – “Buddha”
Clyde Otis (1924-2008) / arr. Tines & Balliett – “This Bitter Earth”
Tines, arr. Balliett – “What is My Hand in This?”
William Billings (1746-1800) – “Chester”
Sam Cooke (1931-1964) – “A Change is Gonna Come”
Balliett – “Nunc Dimiitis” from Compassion Preludes
Traditional / arr. Tines – “Be the Lover of My Soul” (Reprise)
Our Partners
Washington Performing Arts’s 60th anniversary year is generously sponsored by Dr. Gary Mather † and Ms. Christina Co Mather.
Washington Performing Arts’s classical music performances this season are made possible in part through the generous support of Betsy and Robert Feinberg.
Special thanks to the following lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work: Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and Events DC.
Become A Friend
Your support funds the wide-ranging artistic work that inspires, educates, and connects us.