The Heritage Chorale ~ of Milwaukee
The Heritage Chorale performs a wide spectrum of choral literature, from the classics to jazz — as has been said, from Mozart to Motown. Its repertoire includes traditional and contemporary choral works, with particular interest in preserving through research and performance the rich legacy of music by African American composers. During its twenty-six year history, the Chorale has performed Duke Ellington’s Third Sacred Choral Work with Mercer Ellington and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Porgy and Bess with the Florentine Opera Company, and on numerous occasions with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. It has also performed works from its pops repertoire during several Milwaukee County Summer Arts Series and at other venues, including its 2006 performance at Mequon’s (WI) Gathering On The Green; and is looking forward to presenting its Fourth Annual Valentine’s Day Dinner & Show on February 14th, 2010.
The Chorale made
its New York debut at Carnegie Hall in 1998, and released its debut
recording, Our Heritage Gift
to You ~ A Choral Celebration of Holiday Music by African
American Composers, in the same year. During the summer of 2000, members
of the chorale proudly shared a wide spectrum of choral music in the
African American genre with European audiences in Germany, Czech
Republic, and Austria. In addition, they entertained American military
personnel and their families at three U.S. military bases throughout the
region. During the summer of 2002, Heritage was selected to represent
the State of Wisconsin during a Major State Day celebratory service at
the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, and in the spring
of 2004 was featured in the Kohler Distinguished Artists Series with
renowned actor, John Amos, in his production of
Halley’s Comet.
The Chorale closed
it 2004-05 concert season with Jamin Hoffman, conductor, and the Concord
Chamber Orchestra, along with members of Milwaukee Choristers under the
baton of James B. Kinchen, Jr., and other guest artists in the Milwaukee
premier of The Mary McLeod
Bethune Suite, and other works for chorus, piano and organ by
Milwaukee native African American composer, Judith M. Baity. In addition
to Ms. Baity, the chorale has presented two other guest
composers/conductors, Robert Leigh Morris and Rollo Dilworth in its
Living African American Composer Series. A part of its tradition is also
the performance of a full concert of Selected Works from Handel’s
Messiah during every
third holiday season.
The power of
beautiful music is truly awesome, and members of the chorale are as
excited today, as they were during those beginning rehearsals twenty-six
year ago. The ensemble proudly looks forward to its continued pursuit of
Artistic Excellence!!