Award-winning Brazeal Dennard Chorale presents Sixth Annual Legacy Concert 4 PM Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Historic Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit

Members of Brazeal Dennard Chorale at Rehearsal

DETROIT/March 24, 2016—The award-winning Brazeal Dennard Chorale, directed by Alice McAllister Tillman, will present its sixth annual Legacy Concert on Sunday, April 24 at historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.  

Tillman, who will conduct the 40-plus-member Chorale said: “The concert will showcase several composers who are a part of Detroit's rich music community and have close ties to the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, including Maurice Draughn, Stacey Gibbs, Alvin Waddles and Brandon Waddles.” 

The presentation of the Legacy Concert has become a special event on the Brazeal Dennard Chorale’s performance schedule, and is one of the key ways the Chorale fulfills its cultural mission to “remember, discover, preserve and share the Negro spiritual as a part of the artistic community,” while performing significant choral works by African American composers.

“The composers and arrangers that will be featured on April 24 have re-imagined spirituals such as ’There Is a Balm in Gilead’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ “ Tillman said.  Selections from Draughn’s ‘Listen To The Lambs: A Collection of Spirituals for Two Voices and Piano’ will be performed, along with Gibbs’ ‘Be Still and Know,’ an original composition set to the text of Psalm 46:10.  We also will perform Adolphus Hailstork's "Seven Songs of Rubaiyat," in addition to other works that have special significance to the tradition.”

General admission tickets for the 4 p.m. Legacy Concert performance are $25. Concert tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the Chorale office at 313-331-0378 or online at www.brazealdennard.com.  Tickets also can be purchased the afternoon of the concert at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 5050 St. Antoine, in Detroit’s Cultural District.

“I am filled with pride because this music—composed by African Americans and performed by African Americans—tells of our journey, from sorrows to celebrations,” said Chorale Executive Director Yvonne Turner, who also sings soprano in the group.  “The composers of this music created a story to be told as only African Americans can tell.  It is soul stirring—feel it from the top of your head to the bottom of your feet type of music.  I’m also elated to be able to tell the stories—through song—to new audiences that may not be aware of the rich heritage that the music represents.” 

Founded by the late Brazeal Dennard, a legendary Detroit educator, singer, choral director and musical arranger, the Brazeal Dennard Chorale is comprised of members representing all walks of life.  The Chorale has represented Detroit at concerts and events across the state and country, including the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, where the group won gold and silver medals.  Proceeds from the Legacy Concert maintain the community viability of the Chorale, including an ongoing performing schedule.  To learn more about the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, please visit www.brazealdennard.com.