Lift your voice and sing for justice as VocalEssence presents songs of resilience and resistance that inspire all to continue the march towards freedom and racial reconciliation. Hear the rhythmic cry for freedom found in The Justice Symphony by Damien Geter, echoing anthems from the Civil Rights Movement and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. Experience the poignant and beautiful sounds of the Negro spiritual in the world-premiere performance of two newly commissioned works by the multi-talented composer B.E. Boykin. Embrace the unifying spirit of community!

WITNESS: Symphony of Spirituals will feature the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers, elder singers from the VocalEssence Vintage Voices, diverse teenage choir VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, and a symphony orchestra with G. Phillip Shoultz III conducting.

 

Top image: VocalEssence WITNESS. Photo © Kyndell Harkness.

Gallery

Articles & More

“VocalEssence offers powerful ‘WITNESS: Eyes Still on the Prize’ concert at Northrop.”—Minnesota Star Tribune

“The most charismatic performers onstage were the youngest. Singers of This Age (or SOTA, for short) is a group of high school-age singers who throw themselves body and soul into their singing. They delivered a version of B.E. Boykin’s Stand Up! that earned its exclamation point.”—Minnesota Star Tribune

“A WITNESS concert is a beautiful thing, uplifting and inspiring.”—MinnPost

“VocalEssence, one of the Twin Cities’ premier singing ensembles, has shone a light on African-American musical genius and ingenuity through its WITNESS concert.”—Minnesota Star Tribune

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Event Information

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  • Performance Begins: 4:00 pm
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Acknowledgments

link opens new tab to Minnesota State Arts Board

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.