Experience the rich legacy of African American composers and performers through two special concerts in Towson and Columbia, featuring renowned vocalists and musicians.
Two Chances to Celebrate Juneteenth with Concerts by The Denyce Graves Foundation
This Juneteenth, immerse yourself in a musical celebration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with two special concerts presented by The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF). Sponsored by the A.W. Mellon Foundation, these concerts honor African American composers and performers, highlighting the profound contributions they have made to classical music.
The Denyce Graves Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equity and inclusion in American classical vocal arts. Founded by the Emmy® and Grammy® award-winning opera star Denyce Graves, the Foundation aims to expand public understanding of the rich, multicultural history of classical music by spotlighting the hidden musical figures of the past and nurturing young, talented artists from diverse backgrounds.
As part of its mission, DGF collaborates with esteemed institutions such as The Smithsonian Institution, The Metropolitan Opera, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. These partnerships help bring the stories of trailblazing musicians, educators, and composers of color to the forefront, fostering a more inclusive landscape in American vocal arts.
Event Details:
Towson, June 17, 2024: Join us at Babcock Presbyterian Church for a Juneteenth concert featuring art songs, arias, and spirituals performed by soprano Simone Brown, tenor Kevin Webb Jr., and pianist JoyAnne Amani. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm, promising an evening of powerful and moving performances.
Columbia, June 19, 2024: The Howard County Center of African American Culture, in collaboration with The Denyce Graves Foundation, presents a Juneteenth concert at St. John Baptist Church from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. This celebration will feature mezzo-soprano Mia Athey, tenor Aaron Crouch, tenor Kevin Webb Jr., pianist JoyAnne Amani, and the St. John the Baptist Gospel Singers. The concert will be followed by a meet-and-greet reception with African American cuisine from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
These community concerts not only provide an opportunity to enjoy classical vocal music but also advance equity and inclusion in the arts. By showcasing the talents of African American composers and performers, The Denyce Graves Foundation continues to set the stage for true representation in American vocal arts.
For more information, visit The Denyce Graves Foundation.