The unprecedented DSU event that will bring together six different university choirs for one concert is free and open to the public.

 

The DSU Concert Choir will perform in the Choral Festival along with the choirs from Bowie State University, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University, The University of the District of Columbia and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

 

Each choir will perform individual selections and then join together as a more than 300-voice mass choir to culminate the Choral Festival with several grand finale selections.

 

Dr. Curtis Everett Powell, the DSU director of Choral Activities, said it will be a special treat for the DSU community and the public at-large to experience this event. 

 

“This festival will provide an unparalleled opportunity for our students to hear not only the excellent individual choral groups, but also experience a performance by a 300-voice choir under the baton of one of this country’s premiere choral conductors, composers, and arrangers,” Dr. Powell said.

 

In addition to Dr. Powell, the choirs will be led by Dr. Marymal Holmes (Bowie St.), Professor Damon Dandridge (Cheney), Professor Edryn Coleman (Lincoln), Professor William Jones (Univ. of DC) and Dr. Sheila McDonald, (UMES).

 

The Choral Festival will also be attended by Dr. Roland Carter, distinguished composer, conductor and pianist, who is also the founder and CEO of MAR-VEL, a publishing company that specializes on the music and traditions of African American composers.

 

“We are deeply honored to be joined for the festival my mentor, Professor Roland Marvin Carter – composer and arranger of several of the selections performed by the DSU Concert Choir such as  “In Bright Mansions,” “True Religion,” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Dr. Powell said.