Students from the Senator O’Connor Vocal Music Program and Black Student Alliance (BSA) travelled to the Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre for a special Black History Month lunchtime concert presented by the Canadian Opera Company, featuring the University of Toronto Choral Studies Program.
The program celebrated arrangers and composers who have shaped this powerful repertoire, including Brandon Boyd, Keith Hampton, Moses Hogan, Robert Ray, Nathaniel Dett, Aaron Manswell, and the late Richard Smallwood. The ensemble was led by Dr. Jamie Hillman, Yuan Chen, and Melanie Yirenkyi, with Dr. Joy Lee (collaborative pianist), Chase Ward (drums), and Brandon Davis (bass).
Following the concert, as a group photo was being taken, an impromptu performance of “Total Praise” broke out. Senator O’Connor Vocal Music and BSA students spontaneously joined the University of Toronto choir, bringing the afternoon to a joyful close. See the video below!
Thank you to Makenzie Morgan and the team at the Canadian Opera Company for the wonderful experience.
Photo credit: Karen E. Reeves, Dragonfly Photography.