Caritas A Cappella Ensemble (Cathy Youngblood, artistic director) and the Charlotte Contemporary Ensemble (JoVan Adams, conductor) join forces to present non-idiomatic choral music of Black composers – works that are not necessarily associated with Afro-American culture (jazz, R&B, or spirituals).

Composers featured will be James Furman, Nathaniel Dett, Adolphus Hailstork, Rosephanye Powell, Marques L.A. Garrett, Undine Smith, Moses Hogan, Sedrick Dent, Evelyn Simpson Cureton, and Dr. Joel Thompson’s 2014 cantata, Seven Last Words of the Unarmed. The concert culminates in a rousing performance of Richard Smallwood’s Anthem of Praise.

Music will be enhanced by the digital artwork of artist Zaire McPhearson. The program will be available on CD or by download by the end of summer 2023.

HEHLEHLOOYUH: A Celebration of Choral Music by Black Composers, will be presented on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at First United Methodist Church of Charlotte, beginning at 4:00pm. General admission $25, Students $5.
Our nonprofit partner is Brownicity, a local organization offering eye-opening, anti-racism education through customized courses and events with individuals, churches, schools and companies.

This project was made possible, in part, with funding from ASC, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.