African American spirituals, gospel, and jazz have long been celebrated in the choral canon, however Black composers have been writing in a variety of different styles for centuries. Composers of “non-idiomatic” works (those of genres not historically associated with Black musicians) have often been denied the recognition and acclaim they deserve.

This concert features but a handful of the extraordinary contributions of Black composers, both past and present, from North and South America. Featured composers include José Mauricio Nunes Garcia, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Marques Garrett, and Reginal Wright.

Here’s the program from the event.

Who

Concert Singers of Cary Symphonic Choir
With Guest Conductor Lindsey Bruner Woodcock