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LIVING THE DREAM… SINGING THE DREAM Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs Michele Fowlin & Theodore Thorpe III, Artistic Directors Stanley J. Thurston, Artistic Director Emeritus Choral Arts Scott Tucker, Artistic Director PREMIERING FRI, FEB 19, 8PM (ET) STREAMING ON DEMAND THROUGH THU, FEB 25, 11:59PM (ET)

Program

THY NAME BE PRAISED Music and lyrics: James Glover PRESENTATION OF Combined Choir HUMANITARIAN AWARD Michele Fowlin, Conductor

AVE MARIA GLORY (from Selma) Music: R. Nathaniel Dett Music and lyrics: Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus John Stephens, Lonnie Lynn, and Che Smith Scott Tucker, Conductor (arr. Eugene Rogers) Men’s Chorus GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT Theodore Thorpe III, Conductor Music and lyrics: Willie DeVone Konshens The MC, Hip Hop Artist Men and Women of the Gospel Choir Theodore Thorpe III, Conductor A FRIEND UNFAILING Tiffany Watson, Soloist Music and lyrics: Danny McCrimmon Combined Choir FIGHT ON Michele Fowlin, Conductor Music and lyrics: Ralph Alan Herndon, Soloist Kevin Davidson and Marque Walker Children of the Gospel Choir IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY Michele Fowlin, Conductor Music and lyrics: Alma Bazel Androzzo Hope Harden, Soloist (arr. Stanley J. Thurston) Combined Choir Stanley J. Thurston, Conductor

More Info, Series Sales, and Donations: WashingtonPerformingArts.org 1 featuring

Soloman Howard, Co-Host Allison Seymour, Co-Host Anthony “Tony” Walker, Music Director/Keyboard Ralph Alan Herndon, Piano/Vocals

Mark Francis, Keyboard Hamilton Hayes, Bass Guitar Denise Sloan and Jeffrey Bowden, Daryl Hunt, Keyboard Carroll Dashiell III, Percussion Sign Language Interpreters Rick Massey, Keyboard Tim Steele, Percussion Murray Horwitz, Scriptwriter Alvin White, Electric Guitar Dr. Judi Moore Latta, Scriptwriter Text and lyrics

THY NAME BE PRAISED FIGHT ON We’ve come to give Him the glory and all of the honor In this walk you face many battles We’ve come to give Him the glory and all of the praise But they’re not yours Oh give thanks unto the Lord They belong to the Lord Thy name be praised Put on the armor of God Delight yourself in His Word Oh Lord, how excellent is thy name Thy name in all the Earth Don’t give up the fight When I think of the goodness of Jesus It’s too late to give up now And all he’s done for me Don’t give up the fight Thy name be praised So be encouraged my brother Hold on my sister AVE MARIA There’s a way of escape for you and for me Ave Maria, gratia plena, Be strong, stand on His word Dominus tecum. God has promised to fight every one of your battles Benedicta tu in mulieribus, Don’t give up the fight et benedictus fructus ventris tui, It’s too late to give up now Jesus. Don’t give up the fight Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, The war was won by Jesus on a hill called Calvary ora pro nobis peccatoribus, Where he gave His life for you and me nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Dry your eyes, don’t you cry Amen. Everything’s gonna be alright Now weeping may endure for a night GOD SAID IT, I BELIEVE IT But hold on, joy is coming in the morning time The Lord is everything to me, yeah, He said He would my comfort be. Fight on! God said He would be right there, I know he is everywhere. God said it. I believe it. God said it. I believe it. I’m going to take Him at His word. I am standing on the promises of Jesus, I know He’ll never let me down; God said He would be right there, I’m so glad He’s everywhere. God said it. I believe it. God said it. I believe it. I’m going to take Him at His word.

2 GLORY (from Selma) A FRIEND UNFAILING One day when the glory comes Christ alone will guide us It will be ours, it will be ours When the storms betide us Oh one day when the war is won He alone is every day the same We will be sure, we will be sure None but He can keep us Oh glory When the billows, they sweep us Hands to the Heavens, no man, no weapon For He’s a friend unfailing Formed against, yes glory is destined I’m gonna bless His name Every-day women and men become legends All the way to Heaven Sins that go against our skin become blessings Please let our best be given The movement is a rhythm to us Ever let His glory, Freedom is like religion to us Let it be our aim Justice is juxtapositionin’ us Yonder He will meet us Justice for all just ain’t specific enough And it’s with a smile Jesus will greet us One son died, his spirit is revisitin’ us For He’s a friend unfailing Truant livin’ livin’ in us, resistance is us I’m gonna bless His name That’s why Rosa sat on the bus He’s a friend unfailing That’s why we walk through Ferguson with our hands up Bless His name! When it go down we woman and man up He alone to save us They say, “Stay down,” and we stand up Freely came Shots, we on the ground, the camera panned up When the storms betide us King pointed to the mountain top and we ran up He will keep and guide us One day when the glory comes He’s a friend unfailing It will be ours, it will be ours Bless His name! Oh one day when the war is won We will be sure, we will be sure IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY Oh glory If I can help somebody as I pass along, Now the war is not over, victory isn’t won If I can cheer somebody with a word or song, And we’ll fight on to the finish, then when it’s all done If I can show somebody he is trav’ling wrong, We’ll cry glory, oh glory Then my living shall not be in vain. Selma’s now for every man, woman and child If I can do my duty as a good one ought, Even Jesus got his crown in front of a crowd If I can bring back beauty to a world upwrought, They marched with the torch, we gon’ run with it now If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught, Never look back, we done gone hundreds of miles Then my living shall not be in vain. From dark roads he rose, to become a hero Then my living shall not be in vain, Facin’ the league of justice, his power was the people Then my living shall not be in vain; Enemy is lethal, a king became regal If I can help somebody as I pass along, Saw the face of Jim Crow under a bald eagle Then my living shall not be in vain. The biggest weapon is to stay peaceful We sing, our music is the cuts that we bleed through Somewhere in the dream we had an epiphany Now we right the wrongs in history No one can win the war individually It takes the wisdom of the elders and young people’s energy Welcome to the story we call victory The comin’ of the Lord, my eyes have seen the glory One day when the glory comes It will be ours, it will be ours Oh one day when the war is won We will be sure, we will be sure Oh glory When the war is won, when it’s all said and done We’ll cry glory Oh glory

3 Program notes

Living the Dream…Singing the Dream, co-produced by concert, this selection “sets the scene,” encouraging Washington Performing Arts (WPA) and Choral Arts (CA), audience members to actively engage with the music is a musical homage to and celebration of Dr. Martin and prepare for a night of celebration as well as a night Luther King, Jr.’s life and mission. Choral Arts founder of reflection. The next two selections are contemplations Norman Scribner “wanted to pay tribute to Dr. King’s of sacred hope. R. Nathaniel Dett’s setting of “Ave Maria” legacy through music, in other words, [to use music] as is a reverent prayer of praise and petition, while Willie an instrument for peace” and conceived of an annual DeVone’s “God Said It, I Believe It” is a bold declaration concert to achieve this goal. Similarly, the Washington that there are brighter days to come. Although the lyrics Performing Arts Gospel Choirs spotlighted musical of the latter song specifically reference holding the divine tributes to Dr. King during their annual performances, creator accountable to “His” promises, in the context featuring a variety of guest artists. Recognizing this of this production, we are also reminded of Dr. King’s shared mission, we formed a co-presentation using the frequent call out to America to “make real the promise of language of music to showcase our stories in song and to democracy.” We too, as a nation, must be accountable for stir the consciousness of our audiences. Now in its 12th what we have “said on paper.” Nevertheless, if we keep the collaborative production, Living the Dream is led by our faith and stay the course, our higher power will certainly artistic team: Michele Fowlin, artistic director of Children intervene in our just cause. of the Gospel Choir; Theodore Thorpe III, artistic director The final three selections are designed to encourage for Men and Women of the Gospel Choir; and Scott Tucker, even the most disheartened listener. Kevin Davidson and artistic director of the Choral Arts Chorus. The program Marque Walker’s “Fight On” is an eloquent, emotional features a multi-generational choir delivering powerful appeal to each of us to continue in the fight, because music and thought-provoking messages. success is so near. “Glory,” from the film Selma, is an For the first time in our history, WPA and CA have trans- optimistic vision of the divine joy we will all share when formed Living the Dream into a virtual experience. Similar we’ve achieved our goals of inclusion and equality. to the live concerts, this production features a collection Lastly, “Friend Unfailing,” composed by Washington, of choral musical selections interspersed with spoken D.C. gospel songwriter Danny McCrimmon, leaves the segments. The virtual format affords us the opportunity to audience with the beautiful message that we are never celebrate several past Humanitarian Award winners while alone. As we continue on our journey, we have at least acknowledging the power and potential in each of us. We one unfailing friend who will encourage and empower us are also excited to welcome broadcast journalist Allison every step of the way. Seymour and accomplished vocalist and Children of the Over 50 years since his assassination, the life, writings, Gospel Choir alum Soloman Howard, who serve as the and speeches of Dr. King continue to inspire reflection, hosts for Living the Dream, guiding us through this rich creativity, and acts of protest for individuals and commu- experience. nities across the world. The beauty of his work lies not Reflecting on music initially created by enslaved African only in what he accomplished in a short 39 years, but Americans, music scholar Lawrence Levine suggested, also in what he left us: a charge to create a more loving, “These songs manifest clearly the manner in which the just, and inclusive society. It is our hope that this sacred world of the slaves was able to combine the prec- concert will be a source of affirmation, a wake-up call, edents of the past, the conditions of the present, and and/or a soothing balm for each participant as we work the promise of the future into one connected reality.” to live out this seemingly impossible dream. Moreover, More than 150 years since the end of American slavery, we want participants to leave with the resonating African American sacred music has continued to carry message embodied in a favorite song of Dr. Martin Luther this mantle. Each of the selections included in the virtual King, Jr., “If I Can Help Somebody…then my living will not Living the Dream production was written and/or arranged be in vain.” by African American composers. They reflect a range of – Kathy Brewington and Raynetta Wiggins-Jackson emotions and thoughts as each composer grapples to make sense of their current circumstances while hoping for better days ahead. Selected by the team of artistic directors, these songs collectively tell a story of adversity, resilience, and joy. The production opens with the up-tempo, celebratory gospel song “Thy Name Be Praised,” penned by Washington, D.C.’s renowned James Glover. Much like a live choral 4 Kathy Brewington is the Manager of Choir Raynetta Wiggins-Jackson, Ph.D. is the Operations at Washington Performing Manager of Choir Curriculum and Perfor- Arts, where she works closely with the mance at Washington Performing Arts, artistic team for Washington Performing where she develops and coordinates Arts’s Men, Women, and Children of the educational and program content for Gospel Choirs, providing chorus manage- the Men and Women of the Gospel Choir ment, business administration, and event and the Children of the Gospel Choir. A logistics for the combined choirs. Kathy’s trained ethnomusicologist, Dr. Wiggins- professional career in arts management Jackson has focused in her work on the began in 1983 under the leadership of Douglas Wheeler. She performance, preservation, and research of African American has been recognized by the Coalition for African Americans in music. She is also an active member of the Ben Holt Memorial Performing Arts for her dedication and outstanding work for Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians, wherein African American classical artists and performing arts in the she partners with local members to research and celebrate the community. important contributions of African American performing artists in the DMV area. about the artists

MICHELE FOWLIN coach and is the director of choral programs at Eleanor Michele Fowlin (Artistic Director, Roosevelt High School (MD), and has conducted various Children of the Gospel Choir) has church choirs in the area. She continues to hold clinics cultivated her love and passion for vocal health and wellness, voice and piano master for music from a young age. At classes and guest directorships for gospel music work- the age of nine, Ms. Fowlin was shops. Ms. Fowlin has been recognized with various accepted into the Juilliard awards including the Mayor’s Arts Award, a Certificate of School’s pre-college program for Recognition from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and aspiring young musicians, as a piano student. She Humanities, and Who’s Who Among American Teachers. won a variety of piano competitions and awards and participated in many festivals both nationally and inter- THEODORE THORPE III nationally. Her musical pursuits eventually led her to Theodore Thorpe III (Artistic Director, focusing on the voice and conducting. Men and Women of the Gospel Choir) serves in his third season as She attended Howard University and earned her Bach- artistic director for the Washington elor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance/ Performing Arts Men and Women of Pedagogy with a piano minor. While at Howard, she the Gospel. His lifelong experience studied with renowned opera singers Regina McConnell, as a musician brings richness to his Carmen Balthrop, and Charlotte Holloman. Under the leadership, as he draws on celebrated talent as a tutelage of Dr. James Weldon Norris, she was introduced conductor, musical director, vocalist, pianist, organist, to conducting. Ms. Fowlin eventually became the Assis- composer, arranger, and choral master. tant to the Conductor for the University Choirs. Upon traveling with the choir nationally and internationally, Ms. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Theodore Thorpe III Fowlin conducted many concerts and eventually became began his musical training studying piano at the age of one of the lead soloists. These opportunities led her four. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in music with to performances in Russia, England, Spain, and the a concentration in vocal performance and pedagogy US Virgin Islands. She has performed for dignitaries from Oakwood University and a master of arts degree in including Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, music with emphasis in choral and orchestral conducting former President Obama, former Vice President Biden from Morgan State University. Mr. Thorpe’s musical and Gore, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, talents have been recognized for exemplifying musical Ambassador Sasae of Japan, and numerous others, and excellence throughout the years. He is the former music as part of former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let Girls director for the Washington Youth Choir, a nonprofit music Learn” Campaign. program which served high school students in the D.C. metropolitan area. He has composed and arranged After Howard, Ms. Fowlin continued her vocal career while songs that have been published and recorded by expanding her skills as a music teacher in the public renowned distributer GIA, including a set of Three Choral school system. Her desire to motivate students musically Responses that includes “The Lord Bless You and Keep has extended from the classroom into the community. You,” “He is Lord,” and “Until We Meet Again.” Ms. Fowlin has worked with Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir as a music director, vocal A multifaceted musician, Mr. Thorpe has served as artistic director and conductor at major historical performing 5 arts centers including Carnegie Hall, the Joseph Meyer- (September 2013), and La Clemenza di Tito (2013) with The hoff Symphony Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, and In Series. Mr. Thurston led a concert version of Gershwin’s the Kennedy Center. He presently serves in his 15th Porgy and Bess with the Heritage Signature Chorale and season as music director and staff musician at Alfred Orchestra (2011), following Heritage Signature Chorale’s Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and his debut of the same work with Baltimore Symphony Orches- 11th season as director of choral activities at tra (2010) and subsequent debut performance with the T.C. Williams High School. He is married to the former National Symphony Orchestra (2016) at the Kennedy Center Jennifer Alexander, who is also a Brooklyn native, and Concert Hall. Mr. Thurston directed the 250-voice choir that they reside in Ft. Washington, Maryland. Mr. Thorpe performed Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the National believes strongly in excellence without excuses. He Symphony Orchestra for the opening of The REACH. continues to look to make a difference in music education Mr. Thurston is the founding artistic director of the Heri- while blazing a trail for upcoming musicians. tage Signature Chorale, director of music ministries at STANLEY J. THURSTON Foundry United Methodist Church, and artist-in-residence Stanley J. Thurston (Artistic Director at Washington National Cathedral. Emeritus) has led the choir with such well-known artists as BeBe Winans, SCOTT TUCKER Dionne Warwick, Kiri Te Kanawa, “It is thrilling to conduct. I derive as Denyce Graves, Kathleen Battle, the much joy from it today as I did the first Canadian Brass, Sweet Honey in the day I stepped onto a podium. Music on Rock, and jazz legends Ramsey Lewis the page is essentially lifeless, like a and Wynton Marsalis. He served as conductor of Wash- butterfly pinned to parchment; perfor- ington Performing Arts and PostClassical Ensemble’s mance is what breathes life into that The Art of the Spiritual concert, and as music director beauty and allows it to take flight. While for Of Thee We Sing: The Marian Anderson 75th Anniver- I love performing, it is what happens behind the scenes, sary Celebration, presented by Washington Performing leading up to a performance that brings me delight; Arts, conducting a 250-voice choir comprising choruses intuiting a composer’s intent and turning it into sound from around the D.C. area. He has been commissioned to requires technique and hard work from each performer. compose and conduct two works for Washington Perform- Yet by the time the music reaches the audience, it has ing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir, including a musical transcended that effort, connecting and transforming all tribute for President Obama’s Inaugural Prayer Service in involved—composer, performer, and listener alike. 2009. Additional performances have included a recording “I developed an interest in conducting at an early age; As an of holiday music for Sirius Radio, guest appearances at emerging trumpet player, I was afforded the opportunity to Washington National Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, and NBC’s play for a number of fine directors who had three things in Today. Choruses under his direction have performed with common: a command of the music, the ability to commu- the National Symphony Orchestra, Alexandria Symphony nicate clearly, and an inspiring passion. Despite my early Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore interest, I would not be a conductor today were it not for the Symphony Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet, Pacific North- advantages my upbringing afforded me, and the encour- west Ballet, and the Royal Ballet, among others. As a agement I received from my teachers and mentors along conductor, he has appeared in concert venues including the way. Among the many, I am grateful to Richard Given, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, the U.S. who started me on my musical path; Sheila Heffernon who Capitol, the Music Center at Strathmore, Carter Barron gave me my first conducting gig at age 15; Ben Zander, Amphitheater, DAR Constitution Hall, Arena Stage, the who showed me what it means to unlock the secrets deep Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, the Washington inside a score; Lorna Cooke DeVaron, who taught me to Hebrew Congregation, Washington National Cathedral, and hear critically; and Jameson Marvin, who showed me how the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. He has appeared as to bring a chorus to its full potential. guest conductor with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, “I have been lucky enough to conduct for a few decades the Soulful Symphony, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, now; I was a music teacher at Milton Academy, the Detroit Civic Symphony, Prince George’s Philharmonic, Assistant Conductor at Harvard University, and a Professor and the National Symphony Orchestra. of Music at Cornell University. I now hold the distinction Mr. Thurston is a graduate of Morgan State University, of being Artistic Director of the Choral Arts Society of mentored by the renowned Dr. Nathan Carter, and a grad- Washington, where I am honored to continue sharing uate of the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen the tremendous experience of choral music on the (Colorado), where he studied conducting with Murry Sidlin. national stage.” Mr. Thurston conducted opera performances of Mozart’s Conductor Scott Tucker became the Artistic Director of The Magic Flute (September 2017) and Così fan tutte (April Choral Arts Society of Washington in 2012 and prepares the 2016), Beethoven’s Fidelio (June 2016), Aaron Copland’s choruses for performances with acclaimed ensembles and The Tender Land (October 2015), Bellini’s La Sonnam- performers across the globe. bula (January 2015), Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio 6 ANTHONY “TONY” WALKER as musical director for nine-time Grammy Award nominee Anthony “Tony” Walker (Music Director, Ledisi, Mr. Walker performed at The White House (at Men, Women, and Children of the the request of First Lady Michelle Obama), as well as at Gospel Choirs) began his piano training President Barack Obama’s second inauguration, and in his native St. Paul, Minnesota, at age has made multiple television appearances including five, making his public debut at age NBC’s Today, the CBS Morning Show, Late Night with 10. He received his master’s degree David Letterman, and The Queen Latifah Show. In 2000– in piano performance and pedagogy 2001, the Smithsonian Institution invited Mr. Walker to from Temple University. Mr. Walker’s musical background be part of its 18-month-long exhibit of historic pianos, in classical, gospel, jazz, and rhythm and blues has estab- commemorating the 300-year anniversary of instrument’s lished him as a solo artist, session musician, teacher, and invention. As part of this showcase, he played pianos that producer in high demand. His smooth, sophisticated style had been the favored instruments of artists as diverse as is comparable to jazz icons Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, Liberace, Liszt, Duke Ellington, Beethoven, and Mozart. Bobby Lyle, and George Duke. His talent as a pianist has In addition to his role with the Washington Performing allowed Walker to perform for audiences on five conti- Arts Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel Choirs, nents, sharing the stage with acts such as Stevie Wonder, Anthony is the music director at Hope Christian Church Patti Austin, Raheem DeVaughn, Leela James, Kelly Price, (Greater D.C. area). He is currently an adjunct professor Chaka Khan, Cynthia Erivo, The Yellow Jackets, jazz vocal of music at Eastern University in St. David’s, Pennsylvania. group Take 6, gospel artists Richard Smallwood, Donnie Anthony resides in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area McClurkin, Maurette Brown Clark, Kim Burrell, Edwin with his wife, vocalist Bonita Walker and is the proud parent Hawkins, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Vickie Winans, and T.D. of two children, drummer Joshua and flautist Lauren Jakes and the Potter’s House Mass Choir. He also spent five months on Broadway and 18 months touring with The Winans in the gospel musical, Don’t Get God Started. As a solo artist, Mr. Walker has headlined at the prestigious Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. and legendary jazz venue The Blue Note in New York City. He’s also been a featured performer with National Symphony Orchestra, making his debut at the Kennedy Center in February 2019. In his role

7 WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS GOSPEL CHOIRS THE CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON Washington Performing Arts Men and Women of the Experience. Passion. Harmony. Space. This is choral Gospel Choir (MWOTG) has celebrated the heritage of music—a story that soars from a composer’s intention gospel music and its related genres with vibrant, dynamic to a conductor’s interpretation, from a chorus’ passion to performances in venues across the nation’s capital for more an audience’s moment of awe. Leaping from the page to than 25 years. Under the leadership of Artistic Director the lungs to the air, it reverberates in the chambers of the Theodore Thorpe III, the choir is dedicated to presenting heart. Transporting us out of ourselves. Ushering us into this American art form at its highest artistic level, ourselves. Mind. Breath. Sound. Heart. Choral singing is performing contemporary and classic works of African an elemental human experience, a sound with the power American heritage including gospel standards, hymns, to crack open new worlds. anthems, and other choral repertoire. As a resident Choral Arts imbues every single performance with the ensemble of Washington Performing Arts, the choir has promise of this experience. Based in the nation’s capital, shared the stage with a wide array of artists, including we weave our shared passion, world-class repertoire, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and radiant voices into a sound that changes people. the late Edwin Hawkins, the late Walter Hawkins, Ramsey We sing for a city with little time and high expectations, Lewis, and Sweet Honey In The Rock. In 2018, the choir which compels us to transform a night out into a lifelong presented a special holiday concert—“With a Grateful memory. We defy preconceived notions—exploring styles, Heart: A Gospel Thanksgiving” at Duke Ellington School of arrangements, spaces, and collaborations that reimagine the Arts Theater, featuring Thomas Allen and local artists traditions and create surprising new ones. Patrick Lundy and Roderick Giles. At Choral Arts, we sing the music we love as a balm to In addition to annual performances on Washington frenzied days, an antidote to solitude, a union in an Performing Arts’s season, the choir performs regularly often-fractured world. As our conductor raises his baton, throughout the community. Past events have included a moment is born. As our melody rises, spirits rise with it. annual Gospel Christmas concerts at the Washington As our notes weave intricate harmonies, the bonds National Cathedral; as well as featured performances at between people are strengthened. And as our last note the historic Howard Theatre; Kennedy Center Millennium fades, in the heartbeat before the ovation, you will suddenly Stage, Mayor’s Arts Awards; The Hamilton; and on Sirius hear the story singing within you—a small awakening to XM Radio. take back into the world. Formed in 1993, Washington Performing Arts Children of Choral Arts the Gospel Choir (COTG) is one of Washington Performing Awaken your world. Arts’s resident ensembles. COTG has become a destination choir for local students who look to develop excellence in artistry and technique as a performance ensemble. Chosen through a competitive audition process, choir members from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia commit to participating in a year of choral training, intensive workshops, and a variety of performances on Washington Performing Arts’s main stage and through community events. The COTG program provides opportunities for youth in grades four through 12 and promotes an environment of self-confi- dence, teamwork, and respect. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michele Fowlin, the Children of the Gospel Choir have been featured at the White House (with Sara Bareilles at the Canadian State Dinner honoring Prime Minister Justin Trudeau); the Inaugural Prayer Services for President Barack Obama and the National Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela, both at The Washington National Cathedral; the Wash- ington Performing Arts Gala with Broadway star Matthew Morrison; the historic Howard Theatre; the U.S. Depart- ment of State; and on NBC’s Today. In June 2017, Washington Performing Arts Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel Choirs released a CD entitled Why Do We Sing?, marking the choirs’ 25th anniversaries in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

8 about the Hosts

SOLOMAN HOWARD Nabucco. He was heralded for the roles of Frederick Winner of the Kennedy Center’s Douglass and Martin Luther King, Jr. in the world premiere 2019 Marian Anderson Vocal Award, of the revised edition of Appomattox composed by Philip Soloman Howard is a graduate of Glass in a production by Tazwell Thompson and in the title Washington National Opera’s Domin- role of The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me written by Jeanine go-Cafritz Young Artist Program and Tesori and J.D. McClatchy. garners high praise from the press On the concert stage, he has given performances of for his vivid performances on the great Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Gustavo Dudamel and opera and concert stages of the world. Soloman Howard’s the Los Angeles Philharmonic on a European tour and voice is described as “sonorous” by The New York Times, with Christian Arming and the Vienna Chamber Orches- “superhuman” by The Denver Post, and “a triumph” by tra on tour in Asia. He has joined Harry Christophers and The Guardian. the Handel & Haydn Society for Mozart’s Requiem, Kent In the 2020-21 season, Soloman Howard is scheduled for Tritle and the Oratorio Society of New York in perfor- debuts at the Opéra national de Paris in a new produc- mances of Mendelssohn’s Die erste Walpurgisnacht at tion of Aida directed by Lotte de Beer under that baton of Carnegie Hall, and with Christoph Eschenbach and the Michele Mariotti and at the Glyndebourne Festival as Sara- National Symphony Orchestra in a concert presentation of stro in Die Zauberflöte. Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier. Repercussions of the global pandemic are the cancel- The Anti-Defamation League presented Soloman Howard lations of contracts to perform Colline in La bohème at with their “Making a Difference Award” in the summer San Francisco Opera, Fafner in a new production of Der of 2016 for raising awareness of voting rights though his Ring des Nibelungen at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Don performances of Appomattox at the Kennedy Center; and Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Gran Teatre del for bringing opera into the larger community. Soloman Liceu, and concerts with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Howard is a proud graduate of the Manhattan School of Jacksonville Symphony, Memphis Symphony, San Diego Music and of Morgan State University. Symphony, and Aspen Music Festival. ALLISON SEYMOUR Performances of 2019-20 included debuts at the Lyric Allison Seymour is an Emmy Award– Opera of Chicago in the company’s new production by winning anchor who has been waking Francesca Zambello of Luisa Miller conducted by Enrique viewers up on the morning news in Mazzola, at English National Opera in the same title in a her hometown of Washington, D.C. new production by Barbora Horáková Joly conducted by since 1999. Allison started her career Alexander Joel, and he returned to the Metropolitan Opera in television at the Washington, D.C. as Sarastro in The Magic Flute. bureau of ABC News, behind the Highlights of the recent past include Jacopo Fiesco in scenes, before earning her Master’s in Mass Communi- a new production of Simon Boccanegra at the Opéra cation at the University of South Carolina. She is a proud national de Bordeaux conducted by Paul Daniel, Timur in graduate of Hampton University, where she is enshrined Turandot at San Francisco Opera for his debut led by Music in the Mass Media Hall of Fame. Allison’s on-air career Director Nicola Luisotti, Grand Inquisitor in Don Carlo at began during the blizzard of 1993 in upstate New York. She Los Angeles Opera under the baton of James Conlon, Il would go on to work in Utica, Binghamton, and Albany, Re in Aida for a debut at the Teatro Real, and Santa Fe New York. During the summer of 1998, Allison took an Opera performances as Commendatore in Don Giovanni anchor position in St. Louis, Missouri, where, on her first conducted by John Nelson and Colline in La bohème day on the job, she met her future husband, radio host conducted by Jader Bignamini. He also achieved great Marc Clarke. Allison is a member of Delta Sigma Theta success with the roles of Somnus and Cadmus during an Sorority, Inc. and Jack and Jill of America. She and her international tour of Semele with Harry Bicket leading The husband Marc share three daughters and two shelter English Concert. pups. Allison feels extremely grateful to the community for For the Washington National Opera, Soloman Howard has all of the support over the years and is excited to be a part bowed as Fafner in Der Ring des Nibelungen directed by of the WUSA9 family. Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Philippe Auguin as well as in leading roles in The Magic Flute, Show Boat, Approaching Ali, Don Giovanni, and

9 washington performing arts men and women of the gospel choir

THEODORE THORPE III, Artistic Director

Soprano Lynda Prioleau Karen Hall David Grandy Janice Alexander Cara Rhone Phyllis Harris* Chris Hollinsed Austina Barren Iris Richard Tumara Jordan Glen Howard Cara-Lynn Birts Jacqueline Richardson Risa Kornegay Godfrey Maynor Allean Brown Kevia Richardson Claudia Levy Milton Pippens* Denise Bryant Lisa Rowe Teisha McKie Rebecca Powell Andrea Calloway Tiffany Watson Phyllis Miller Angelia Richardson Julia Caul India Williams LaVerne Minter Barbara Rogers Phyllis Curenton Shirley York Lois Mockabee Brandon Wright Felicia Edwards Sheryl Newman Juanita Pat Finney Alto Gail Patterson Shipp Bass Rose Fisher Stephone Allen Juanita Rollins Akeem Adams Andrea Futrell Bobette Banks Jamie Ward Black Jerome Austin Erin Gantt Mildred Benson Jacqueline White Orlanzo Chappell Margo Hall* Tania Brunson Vickie Wilkerson Donovan Gulley Cierra Jennings Laurenda Carter Pia Winston Chuck Kemp Arlene King-Berry Donna Cawley Leavia Wright David North Saramae Krietlow Phyllis Chesley* Daniel Scott Alana Mallory Sandra Collins Tenor Albert B. Spencer Jr.* Sharyta Masah El Cynthia Douglas RJ Benn Daniel Veiga Mildred McCullough Deborah Easter Kevin Bouknight* Aaron Watson Michele Morris Tempora Fisher A. Don Cowan Darrell Whitfield* Gwen Muse-Evans Channita Fraser Gloria Duarte Shelia Parker Lorna Gilkey MeLinda Gooch * Section Leaders

washington performing arts children of the gospel choir MICHELE FOWLIN, Artistic Director

Soprano Samaria Johnson Jasmine Lawson Christian Inman* Arielle Asare Tamia Johnson Madison Littlejohn D’Anthony Jamison Khalida Betancourt Aniya Jones* Cai Malone* Cameron King Sydney Broady Phillip Marshall Kai Marshall-Villanueva Dillan Madison Katelyn Brown Elisa Quesada Sayler Claude Noutak Gabriel Pearson Kylee Brown Kalyani Srivastava Oni Ransom Walter Pierce Pearson IV* Layla Bunch Liis Viira Zaji Ransom Donovan Rivera-Ware Xitlalli Dawson Ambria Reese Jordan Thomas Madison Fields Alto Consuela Watts Cris Whitney Sharli Fleming Alayna Brown Raven Williams Ayden Williams McKayla Guthrie Aniyah Butterworth Taylor Williams Odom Russell Williams IV Hope Harden Karen Coles Lena Hicks Ryleigh Francis Tenor/Bass * Section Leaders Jordan Holt* Nia Frazier* Zaybian Brown Madison Johnson Aniya Jean-Julien Terrell Crosland

10 Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus

SCOTT TUCKER, Artistic Director

Soprano Alto Tenor Lynda Adamson Petia Antova Jeff Ashford Julie Ciamporcero Avetta Barbara Barry Leroy R. Barnes Brooke Bartolome Marty Brown Jonathan Blocksom Kaylee Boalt Patricia A Byram Colin Brown Ashley B. Boam Michelle Cho John Clewett Susan G. Boggs Jan Clayberg Jeff Dauler Laura Bradford Karen Coda Neil R. Ericsson Janice O. Childress Katherine Degreef David Flaxman Marie Colturi Karen Doyne Daniel Forbes Alison Cooper Cynthia Dunbar Matthew Goldberg Abigail Corbett Karen Florini Jerry Haggin Shannon Corey Barbara Gardner Eric Holmes Dana Crepeau Coleen Gatehouse Edward Hoover Gloria DeCoste Ariel Gold Glen Howard Kathryn Fernandez Kate Goodrich Tony Lee Julie Gilmore Cindy Jensen Michael McKeon Amity Hall Anne B. Keiser Paul Nooney, Jr Karen Hopper Joyce Korvick Byron V. Peters Marie Hyder Lucy Newton Robert Porter Jennifer Leach My-Van Nguyen David Robinson Heather MacDonald Margaret Nice Roberto Sada Rebecca Mullen Rebecca Nielsen Dileep Srihari Katherine S. Myer Sarah Penniston-Dorland Robert Stansbery Jenny Nordstrom Ellen Platts Rob Vogel Alexandra Normile Laura S. Pruitt Julia Preseau Joan Reinthaler Bass Diane Shapiro Richer Diedre Robinson Charles Cerf Erika Rissi Cindy Speas Michael Cook Sally Robinson Candida Steel David Freeman Elizabeth Romig Kandie Stroud George Krumbhaar Bethann Siegel Alex Swartsel* Douglas M. Lapp Lisa Sommers Lizabeth Tankersley Todd Leeuwenburgh Carolyn Sowinski Christa Teemer Michael Lincoln** Katie Spitzel Michelle Tiller Clarke Maylone Lisa Stechschulte Lowe Emily Townsend Douglas McAllister Joyce Stephansky Nancy Witherell Daniel Perkes Margaret A. Stromecki Virginia Yates Nathan Perriello Amanda Thorne Dennis Reece Alison Valtin William Theuer Nadine Wethington Art Tiller Bonnie Williams Jim Weinstein Carolyn Wise Christopher Wilde Julie Wommack Ray Williams

*Chorus President **Chorus Vice President

11 men’s chorus

featuring members of ALFRED STREET BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR, WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS MEN OF THE GOSPEL CHOIR, and LOCAL DMV CHOIRS THEODORE THORPE III, Artistic Director

Tenor I Timothy McFadden Joshua Heath-Orr James Aldridge Alliant Ndeze Dominique Jackson Kevin Bouknight John Obie Garrett Jackson Robert Brown Anwar Ottley Angelo Johnson* David Buck Darrell Patterson George B. Jones James Bradford Theodore Potts Chuck Kemp Marvin Carr Tevin Price Michael Reid Feilipe Cioni Rashad Roberts Deion Roulhac Antonio Covington Sean Roberts Theodore Sapp Devon Davis Vernon Rogers Korcoran Smith Craig Brown Dickens Andre Salva Albert B. Spencer Jr. Anthony Dillard Sherwin Simpson Daniel Veiga Nathan Drew Larry Vaughn* Aaron Watson Christopher Fowlkes Stadford Whitlow Darrell Whitfield Chris Hollinsed Darrin Williams Jonathan Johnson Baritone Jim Williams Sam Johnson Cliff Isaac Achpkah Jay Lee Jerome Austin Christopher Matthews Melvin Bryant, Jr. * Chorus Master Godfrey Maynor Chester Burke* George Mensa Orlanzo Chappell Devin Mercer Jaedyn Christopher Gabriel Morales Shannon Cloman Charwin Nah Edryn J. Coleman Sylvester Owens Stanley Cornelius Milton Pippens James Craigen David Powell Trent Davis Calvin Ruffin Emmanuel Fortin Louis Spencer Matthew Jackson Sean Tillery* Xavier Jones Jeremy Winston Desmond Pierre Louis Brandon Wright Robert Mathews Marco K. Merrick Tenor II David K. North Andre Benjamin Felipe Paccagnella RJ Benn Greg Roland Darnel C. Brandon Phillip Ross Willie Carter Daniel Scott A. Don Cowan Ronnie Woodfork Rahshaan Engrum Roderick Giles Bass Gerard Grigsby Kevin Allen Glen Howard Jay Butler Kennard Jackson Aaron Chambers Lawrence Jordan III Jean-Paul Corrales Chica Daryl Joyner Brian Epps Sr. Reginald Lewis Mark Francis Dr. Lloyd Mallory Donovan Gulley

12 special thanks

Co-presented by Washington Performing Arts and Choral Arts.

event sponsors

Performances by the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir are made possible by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated.

This performance is made possible through the generous support of Rudy Burwell and Mona Mohib, in loving memory of Rudolph Burwell, Sr.; Trista L.P. Colbert and Theodore Colbert; Pepco, an Exelon Company; Mrs. Paula Seigle Goldman; and the Dan Cameron Family Foundation.

Gospel music programs at Washington Performing Arts are made possible in part by the Beech Street Foundation and Mr. Jeffrey Bauman and Ms. Linda Fienberg; Hubert “Hank” Schlosberg and the Schlosberg Family; Tom Gallagher, in honor of Turnaround, Inc.; Trista L.P. Colbert and Theodore Colbert; Bruce Rosenblum and Lori Laitman; Mrs. Alison Francis; and the Dan Cameron Family Foundation.

“It gives us tremendous pride to sponsor Living the “We are honored to pay tribute to Dr. King’s legacy Dream…Singing the Dream in honor of Rudy Burwell, through spiritual song, reflection, and humanitarian Sr. This was my father’s favorite WPA event each year. emphasis. Dr. King loved and was inspired by the arts. He “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights icon. His was artistically masterful in his soul-stirring speeches, efforts were supported, at the same time, by the quiet which had bridge-building, healing powers still felt actions taken by people like my father who were also today. Our family is grateful for his optimism, activism, working to build the Dream.” and inspiration to “live the dream” that an inclusive, just society is still within our reach.” – Rudy Burwell, Jr. and Mona Mohib – Trista L.P. Colbert and Theodore Colbert

series sponsors

Thank you to the following lead supporters of Washington Performing Arts’s mission-driven work in 2020/21, including presentation of Home Delivery Plus: Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated; D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Betsy and Robert Feinberg; Dr. Gary Mather and Ms. Christina Co Mather; the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts; Tom Gallagher; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation for the Performing Arts.

Choral Arts gratefully acknowledges its sponsors.

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