For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Hannah Grasso
hgrasso@choirschoolofdelaware.org (302) 543-8657 x4
CHOIR SCHOOL TO HOST WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS, CONCERT CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE AND HISTORY
EVENT DETAILS
We Hold These Truths: A Celebration of Black Excellence
When: Sunday, February 19 | 4:00 PM
Where: Grace United Methodist Church, 900 Washington St, Wilmington, DE
Tickets: FREE | Suggested Donation $25
Buy Tickets: https://choirschoolofdelaware.org/events/black-history-2023/ or 302-543-8657 x4
Press RSVP: hgrasso@choirschoolofdelaware.org or 302-543-8657 x4
The Choir School of Delaware, in partnership with Delaware Humanities, is proud to present We Hold These Truths, its annual Black History Month concert. This free community event celebrates Black excellence and explores Black history through song. The Choir School’s intergenerational choir, where professional musicians, adult volunteers, and talented youth sing side-by-side, will perform.
Weather by composer Rollo Dilworth anchors the program, setting to music the poem of the same name by Claudia Rankine. Weather speaks to our national climate at the intersection of the pandemic and racial injustice, including the death of George Floyd in June 2020. An introduction by the composer and a panel discussion will invite further conversation. Reflection will turn to celebration with inspiring works including “Glory” from Selma, “Stand Up” from Harriet, and “Total Praise” by acclaimed gospel artist Richard Smallwood.
The concert celebrates Black excellence by amplifying the voices and work of Black composers and by featuring the young vocal artists of the Choir School, who are predominantly Black. Admission is FREE. A suggested donation of $25 aids in keeping the Choir School programs accessible and affordable to all regardless of income. Advance registration is recommended, as space is limited.
We Hold These Truths is the third concert of the Choir School’s Jubilee Concert Season, marking the 25th anniversary of its award-winning after-school program and the 140th anniversary of its intergenerational choir. Ticket proceeds directly support the Choir School’s life-changing programs, which connect Wilmington youth to professional music training, academic support, mentoring, and social services.
We Hold These Truths is generously sponsored by Delaware Humanities and the MidAtlantic Arts Foundation. TD Charitable Foundation is the premiere sponsor of the Jubilee Concert Season.
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ABOUT THE CHOIR SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
The Choir School of Delaware, a “Community Center that Sings,” provides life-changing after-school and summer programs for Wilmington children ages 7-17. Programs combine professional-level choral training and performance opportunities with homework help, mentoring, and social services, creating a safe, inspiring environment where young people realize their full potential.
The majority of Choir School students live at or below the poverty line. 100% of its students graduate from high school, and all graduate with a plan to continue their education, launch a career, or begin military service. The Choir School of Delaware is available to all, regardless of income.
An intergenerational choir, celebrating its 140th year in 2022-23, is the cornerstone of the Choir School’s after-school program and performs throughout the state
The Choir School of Delaware is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
Artistic Samples
“Total Praise”
arr. Richard Smallwood
https://youtu.be/awC-cTC_24A
“It’s a Grand Night for Singing” from State Fair
Rodgers and Hammerstein, arr. Shaw
https://youtu.be/b2HeIb72xUw
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