Exploring Heritage Connections

The Choristers commissioned three pieces of original choral music from three respected African American composers -- Robert Harris of Northwestern University, Robert Morris of Minneapolis, and Milwaukee native Judith Baity, now living in California.  The pieces were based on texts taken from poetry of the artistically creative Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920s.

The Choristers presented the world premiere of the new music as the centerpiece of a special concert that took place on October 18, entitled "Exploring Heritage Connections."  The concert, celebrating the music of black composers, was a collaboration with the Brazeal Dennard Chorale of Detroit, a nationally recognized, primarily African American choir which specializes in the preservation and presentation of music by black composers.

The Choristers traveled to Detroit to perform the concert again with the Brazeal Dennard Chorale on November 1, 2008.

These special concerts were part of the Choristers 75th Anniversary season.