Black Tulip Chorale, St. Louis’s LGBTQIA+ chorus for all voices announces the opening performance of its eighth season. The group opens its season with A FOND EMBRACE at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams, Kirkwood, Missouri.
The concert celebrates women composers from around the world. “Our program spans three centuries, five continents, and six languages,” said Robert Stumpf, Artistic Director and Executive Director of BTC. “The audience will be transported on a musical journey transcending borders and eras, bearing witness to the brilliance and artistry of women composers, who are all too often marginalized or overlooked.” At the heart of this concert are several works by Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. While she is best remembered for the timeless “Aloha ‘Oe”, she wrote over 165 pieces.
A FOND EMBRACE also includes works by Lili Boulanger (France), Stefania Turkevich (Ukraine), Maria Elena Walsh (Argentina), Misuzu McManus, (Japan), Maewa Kaihau (a Maōri woman from New Zealand), Sarah Quartel (Canada), as well as a love song by St. Louis’ own Royal Robbins. BTC will present the Midwest premiere of “You Are Enough” by Melanie Stapleton, who is quickly becoming a leader in access in choral music for all, including LGBTQIA+ people. “Adoration”, by African-American composer Florence Price, features First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood’s 76 -rank Casavant pipe organ played by their Director of Music Ministries Bill Stein. “We are thrilled to return to Kirkwood for the fifth time,” said Robert Stumpf, artistic and executive director of the Chorale. “We’re excited, too, to present the St. Louis premiere of one of Hawaiʻi’s favorite artists – Starr Kalahiki. Active in many genres on stage and in the recording studio, Starr also performs as part of The Liliʻu Project, perpetuating the music and legacy of Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Tickets for the performance are $15 .
Black Tulip Chorale was established in 2018 with a mission to advocate for social consciousness through excellence in the performance of choral music, while providing an affirming environment for all regardless of expression, gender, identity or orientation.
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Contact: Robert Stumpf, Artistic Director/Executive Director
[email protected]
