...the nathaniel dett chorale
THE NATHANIEL DETT CHORALE Canada
The inspiration of gospel and afro-american music
The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is the first professional Canadian choir to devote itself to all styles of afro-american music : the 21 singers who make it up enjoy livening up our ideas of the traditional chamber choir and can explode into jazz, folk and blues blending easily into classical and popular african music. Their name is a hommage to the Afro-American Robert Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943) who served musical eclecticism by his talents as a composer, pianist and choral conductor.
Since its beginnings in 1998, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale has presented its joyful and inspired repertoire on extended and acclaimed tours across the New York State, in the Maritime Provinces (2000 and 2004), the West of Canada (2001, 2004/05) Quebec (2002), North Ontario and Manitoba (2003).
The chorale shares the stage with renowned artists such as the jazz pianist Joe Sealy, Molly Jackson, Jackie Richardson, Signal Hill Alumni Choir of Tobago (West Indies), The Hampton University Choir (Virginia), Kathleen Battle and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The Nathaniel Dett Chorale has also been invited to take part in concerts honouring Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mohammed Ali.
In November 2002, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale launched its debut CD "Listen to the Lambs", first recording of the choral works by R. Nathaniel Dett. A documentary "Carry Me Home : The Story and Music of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale" came out in 2003 before the publication of their second CD "An Indigo Christmas".
Brainerd Blyden-Taylor : Born in Trinidad, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor has lived in Canada since 1973 where he is a highly respected conductor, as he is in the USA. Other than the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, for the last 12 years he has directed the Orpheus Choir in Toronto, has been the driving force behind several church choirs and has piloted several national musical projects. As a teacher he has trained many young singers and conductors. He is co-president of the Arts Council of Toronto.
Programme: Traditional and arranged Gospels and Negro Spirituals
Concert 1h30 : Friday 29th October - 21h00 - Saint-Lô Agneaux Church / Saturday 30th October - 19h00 - Bretteville sur Laize Church (14)
Concert 1h00 : Sunday 31st October - 15h30 - St Hilaire de Harcouet The Rex
Gala Concert : Monday 1st November - 20h30 - Saint-Lô Chapiteau
http://www.nathanieldettchorale.org/
