Video Designer: The Washington Chorus
Had the joy of being invited by artistic director & conductor of the Washington Chorus, Dr. Eugene Rogers, to design a program for them, 'Resilience'.
From The Washington Chorus' site:
The Washington Chorus’ “Resilience” digital choral experience highlights the power of music and the human spirit. In collaboration with visual artist Camilla Tassi and narrator Shannon Finney, the experience includes a world premiere excerpt from the TWC commissioned work “Here's The Thing” by acclaimed composer (and former TWC Artistic Director) Julian Wachner and Rome Prize-winning poet Samiya Bashir which features The Washington Chorus and Sphinx's EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble accompanied by Wei-Han Wu; Ralph Vaughan Williams' sublime “Serenade to Music” featuring TWC soloists and violinist Akemi Takayama; and a stirring setting of Rollo Dilworth's “Freedom's Plow” featuring Dr. Dilworth on piano and guest tenor soloist LaVonte Heard.
“When programming for this upcoming concert, I desired to have The Washington Chorus community reflect on the fortitude and strength we’ve all had to make it through this challenging season,” commented TWC Artistic Director, Dr. Eugene Rogers.
“From COVID-19, to issues of racism, to the loss of so many artistic endeavors and beyond--it was nothing but the willpower of humanity and our deep love for music and community that has kept us going. This concert is meant to be a reminder of that power and strength, especially as we prepare to begin singing together in person later this year,” Dr. Rogers continued.” Langston Hughes says ‘see the difficulties and the obstacles [..but,] keep your hand on the plow--HOLD ON!" May you be encouraged and inspired by our performance.’
It takes a village to put this work together - from performers to collaborators and more. I owe so much heart to my assistant John Horzen, and to friends and actors/illustrators Mikayla Johnson and Stan Mathabane. There's no question this would not have been possible without them trusting the process and my crazy ideas :)
