This concert is made possible through the generous support of Suzanna and John Laramee in loving memory of Toni D. Green and in honor of her family and friends.
GRAMMY® Award-winning soprano Karen Slack brings her operatic virtuosity to African Queens, an extraordinary evening of music and storytelling, featuring a powerful selection of new works by some of today’s most acclaimed composers. “One of the nation’s most celebrated sopranos,” Slack is joined by pianist Kevin J. Miller to present this collaborative song cycle, which shines a spotlight on seven fierce African Queens, whose legacies as rulers and warriors have often been overlooked in the West, with each piece reflecting their beauty, passion, humility, and power.
Arrive early for a Pre-concert talk!
7:15 PM – Join collaborative pianist Kevin J. Miller for a free pre-concert conversation exploring the stories behind the seven African Queens featured in the evening’s program.
*Commissioned for Karen Slack by the Ravinia Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival and School, Boston Symphony Orchestra for the Tanglewood Learning Institute, Denver Friends of Chamber Music, Washington Performing Arts, The 92nd Street Y, New York, and the Newport Classical Music Festival
Karen Slack, soprano
Kevin J. Miller, piano
PROGRAM:
DAVE RAGLAND Precatio*
CARLOS SIMON Behold, The Queen*
DAVE RAGLAND The Queen of Sheba*
JESSIE NZINGA MONTGOMERY The Song of Nzingha*
FRED ONOVWEROSUOKE Luwah (Bitter Tears)
SHAWN OKPEBHOLO A Letter From Queen Ufua*
-INTERMISSION-
FRED ONOVWEROSUOKE Duniya (Mystic Universe)
JASMINE ARIELLE BARNES I Am Not Your God*
WILL LIVERMAN A Prayer
JOEL THOMPSON Queen Nanny’s Lullabye*
DAMIEN GETER Amanirenas*
