Nathaniel Dett Chorale 2009 / 2010 Concert Series
’ÄúA Spirit of unity, rendered in song.’Äù
Tuesday, December 1, 2009: The halls of the Glenn Gould Studio will echo with the uplifting sounds of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale. Often described as both magical and transformative, the exhilarating Nathaniel Dett Chorale performances, under the direction of its Founder/Artistic Director Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, invite audiences on a 3-part journey through the rich and colourful musical traditions of the African Diaspora. In this, their remarkable 11th season, the Chorale will once again present a trio of performances in the acoustically dazzling Glenn Gould Studio, in the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front Street.
An Indigo Christmas’Ķ In Silent Night
Wednesday, December 16th and Saturday, December 19th, 2009 8PM
This season begins with one of the Chorale’Äôs most popular programs. An Indigo Christmas’Ķ In Silent Night features a mix of contemporary and traditional arrangements of carols, spirituals, and African folksongs. In addition to the Chorale’Äôs performances, audiences will be treated to a holiday performance by award winning Jazz pianist / composer Joe Sealy and his long-time collaborator, bassist Paul Novotny. ’ÄúThe program was created to cradle you in a blanket of sound to warm your cool winter night,’Äù comments Blyden-Taylor, ’Äúand to inspire a joyous start to this celebratory season.’Äù
Voices of the Diaspora’Ķ Gullah Voices
Wednesday, February 17th and Saturday, February 20th, 2010 8PM
This Black History Month event shines the spotlight on the Gullah people -- African Americans who live in the Low Country region of South Carolina and Georgia. It is a culture alive with the Afro dialect and traditions. Gullah music and spirituals are the "life music" of slavery, and are said to have sustained and encouraged the enslaved peoples through the experience of praise. Special guest, composer and historian, Melaine DeMore will be on hand for this musical presentation which will invoke the rich traditions of the Gullah cross rhythms including sprituals, work songs and ring shouts. ’ÄúDrumming plays a central role in both the song and dance of the Gullah people,’Äù Blyden-Taylor explains. ’ÄúIn the tradition of the call and response we will incorporate rhythmic stick pounding, foot stomping and body percussion to convey the essence of one of America's most authentic forms of music’Äù.
And Still We Sing ’Ķ Steel Singin’Äô
Wednesday, May 26 and Saturday, May, 29, 2010 8 PM
The final concert in the 3-part subscription series welcomes Al Foster and Pan Fantasy for an explosive performance that pays tribute to the unique musical and cultural influences of the Caribbean islands. This festive interpretation of music honouring Trinidadian folk music, and Brainerd Blyden-Taylor’Äôs own roots, is a musical pedigree that continues to infuse the Chorale’Äôs body of work. Nathaniel Dett Chorale’Äôs own Darryl Huggins (Bass) will debut some of his own calypso compositions for this memorable concert event. ’ÄúCalypso music is infused with a poetic and political voice,’Äù says Blyden-Taylor. ’ÄúThe songs tell the story of the people ’Äì and offer significant insight into the heartbeat of the community’Äù.
Tickets for each performance by The Nathaniel Dett Chorale are individually $39.50, and $35.00 Students/Seniors, or subscribe to all 3 performances for $99.00. Tickets are available in person at the Roy Thomson Hall box office, 60 Simcoe St., by calling 416.872.4255 or online at www.roythomson.com.
For more information please visit www.nathanieldettchorale.org.
About THE NATHANIEL DETT CHORALE
One of Canada’Äôs ’Äúnational treasures’Äù, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale has worked hard to bring Afrocentric music to people at home and abroad. This dedication has recently earned them industry recognition as the CAPACOA Touring Artist of the Year 2008-09. This award recognizes performers whose professionalism and cooperative spirit enhance their relationship with presenters, such as cooperation in performance promotion, technical facilitation, contract fulfillment, or service above and beyond contractual agreements.
Named for the celebrated African-Canadian composer, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale is Canada's first professional choral group dedicated to Afrocentric music of all styles, including classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk and blues. The Chorale is comprised of classically trained, multi-talented vocalists whose work stretches beyond the traditional repertoire of a classical chamber choir, challenging audiences to broaden their vision to include all genres of music appropriate to the traditions of the African Diaspora. These 21 classically-trained, outstanding vocalists have shared the stage with internationally recognized artists such as Juno Award-winning jazz pianist Joe Sealy, opera star Kathleen Battle, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The Chorale recently had the honour of performing at various ceremonies in Washington on the occasion of President Obama's historic inauguration.
For more information please visit www.nathanieldettchorale.org.
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Labels: The Nathaniel Dett Chorale
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