Choirs unite in Rehoboth to honor Black History Month Feb. 22

REHOBOTH BEACH – Make a stop in southern Delaware this Saturday as several choirs come together for some musical art to highlight Black History Month.

Feb. 22, the Southern Delaware Chorale will host a special concert titled “A Choral Tapestry: Celebrating Black History Month” at 4 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church (19285 Holland Glade Road) in Rehoboth Beach.

The performance will showcase a variety of musical pieces that honor the contributions of African American composers, performers, and poets.

Joey Shortall, director of the Southern Delaware Chorale, said the group is excited to present the show to celebrate Black History Month.

“The concert highlights Black composers spanning different parts of the world through over two hundred years,” he said. “For too long, Black composers were often overlooked in choral settings, and the chorale is excited to share genres and repertoire that celebrate these highly accomplished composers. Additionally, the organization is excited to share the stage with other choirs from throughout the community that share in the commitment to presenting music by Black composers.”

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Delaware choirs coming together

The concert will feature four local choirs, each performing a selection of songs that highlight African American culture and history.

The Cantabile Women’s Chorus will perform three traditional spirituals and join forces with Sussex Technical High School’s Bella Voce choir to present “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” a popular American folk hymn.

The Bella Voce will also take the stage to perform three additional pieces, including the stirring “Stand Up” from the musical “Harriet.”

The Milford High School Chorus will bring an emotional tribute to the civil rights movement with their performance of Sam Cooke’s iconic “A Change is Gonna Come” and other songs inspired by spirituals and key historical events.

“So much of our music is history is owed to great musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Scott Joplin, and Duke Ellington, just to name a few,” said Julia Keefer, director of the Milford High School Choir. “It is so important to recognize and celebrate the talents of Black Americans who have so greatly influenced American Music. It is equally important to honor Black Americans who have played such a vital role in our nation’s history, which we will be doing through music.”

The Southern Delaware Chorale will close the performance with six powerful selections, including a moving rendition of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.”

The concert will culminate with all four choirs joining together to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the “Black National Anthem,” in a moment that promises to be both stirring and unforgettable.

“During this performance by all four choirs in unison, the audience is surrounded by voices young and old,” said Co-Director Sarah Rose explained the significance of the grand finale. “It is always a powerful moment.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $25 for adults, and youth 17 and under can attend for free.

Tickets are available for purchase on the Southern Delaware Chorale’s website here or at the door on the day of the event.

The Southern Delaware Chorale invites anyone with a passion for singing to join them for future performances.

Those interested in performing with the Chorale for their May concert or next season can find more information here.