“The thing about the Black experience that I have come to settle into and embrace, and I knew it as a child but I didn’t have words for it, was that simultaneously we can experience deep pain, discomfort, frustration, anger, incredible injustice, and still have joy. We may not be happy, but there’s joy. Deep resiliency and joy.” - G. Phillip Shoultz, VocalEssence Associate Artistic Director
And with that introduction, G. Phillip Shoultz launched into conducting Witness, the annual VocalEssence concert celebrating the Black experience in classical music. This year’s program was especially joyful with the addition of special guests The Aeolians, a student choir from Oakwood University, a HBCU from Huntsville Alabama. The Aeolians were named “Choir of the World” at the World Choir Games, and they’ll inspire you to stand up and cheer, whether they’re singing Bach, spirituals or modern masterpieces. Listen to the concert now!
Playlist
Kyle Pederson (arr.) - Come By Here (Kumbaya)
Eddie Robinson, Brandon Waddles (arr.) - So Many Reasons to Rejoice
Adolphus Hailstork - The Lord is My Shepherd from I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes
William L. Dawson (arr.) - Zion’s Walls
Eric Nelson (arr.) - When Memory Fades
Colin Lett - I’ve Got a Song
Shawn Kirchner, Stacey Gibbs - No Color
William L. Dawson (arr.) - There Is a Balm in Gilead
Charles H. Gabriel - I Sing Because I’m Happy
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