Choral Tapestry event to broaden scope Feb. 24

Southern Delaware Chorale will present A Choral Tapestry in celebration of Black History Month at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, north of Rehoboth Beach.

In addition to a performance by the Southern Delaware Chorale, the ever-expanding mini-festival, now in its sixth year, will also feature three guest choirs: Cantabile Women’s Chorus, based in Milford and conducted by Joanne Ward; Sussex Tech High School’s Bella Voce, conducted by Sarah Rose; and Sussex Community Gospel Mass Choir, based in Georgetown and conducted by Elder Dr. Robert Brown.

The concert will open with all four choirs performing a moving rendition of the song known as the African-American national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Each of the four choirs will then perform their own sets of music, ranging from spirituals to civil rights anthems to gospel music.

The important work of three local organizations also will be featured. Continuing its partnership from 2022 is the Sussex County chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the oldest established Greek letter organization founded by African American, college-educated women. Audience members can donate to its two scholarships: the Lomax Leadership Scholarship and the Collick Community Book Scholarship.

A new partnership has begun between the Southern Delaware Chorale and the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice. Charlotte King, SDARJ founder and president, will offer some remarks about the alliance’s important work. Finally, a representative of the Richard Allen Coalition of Georgetown will educate the audience about its significant work restoring the Richard Allen School. All three groups will have tables set up in the lobby with representatives and educational materials.

Dr. Colin Armstrong, chorale artistic director and conductor, said he is thrilled with the collaboration among all four choirs and the positive energy being created for an increasingly diverse audience. “This is first a musical event to celebrate the important contributions of Black composers/arrangers and poets to the body of choral music. It is also an opportunity to bring together a diverse audience during these divisive times in America,” he said.

Tickets are $25 per person, available at the door or online at southerndelawarechorale.org. Children 17 and under attend free.