The College of Charleston Concert Choir, directed by Carlos Brown, will perform “Songs for a New Season,” a moving showcase of pieces featuring a variety of artists, such as Handel, Mozart, Brown, Dawson, Wilberg, Hogan and more. The selections for this performance were inspired by the recent hardships going on in the world.
“It just kind of hit me that this concert would be one that would bring comfort and peace to those that have been affected in any way by any kind of displacement,” states Brown. He further explains the theme, saying, “It also signifies the start of a new choral era here at the College of Charleston.” Brown will take his experience from last year, which was his first year at the College, to take fresh, creative turns when it comes to the choir. This year, the concert will feature several styles including Baroque, Classical, Gospel, Spirituals, and more. “I believe in creating a choral space where there’s something for everybody,” Brown mentions.
“I’m really looking forward to hearing what the choir will do with William Dawson’s ‘Out in the Fields,’” says Brown. “It’s been one of the pieces that we worked on extensively.” William Dawson was an African American composer who battled the restrictions of the Jim Crow laws to create a lasting musical legacy. Raised by former slaves, Dawson ran away from home to pursue music at the Tuskegee Institute where he would study under Booker T. Washington. He went on to become a composer, a conductor of a world-class ensemble, and the director of the Tuskegee Institute School of Music. The College of Charleston Choir will honor him by featuring two of his works in their showcase.
The choir has been preparing for this show since the beginning of the semester. “The students are working very hard. Our morale is at a high this year; students are enjoying singing and being a part of the choral program and are looking forward to the things that are to come,” Brown says. He praises the students that comprise the choir, saying, “The students have been working really hard. Even before midterms, they had about 80 percent of the repertoire solid. Kudos to them for their hard work and their dedication and commitment to high standards.”
DETAILS: The concert will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Mt. Zion AME Church (5 Glebe St.). General admission is $20 with discounts for CofC students, faculty and staff.
Info and ticket links at https://calendar.charleston.
