WS Chronicle

The Winston-Salem State University Choir recently returned from successful performances in the Bahamas that included participation in the Southeastern African American Conference (SEAAC) Festival, an event that brings together historically Black university choirs in celebration of the work of leading composers.

Singers from WSSU joined those from South Carolina State University, College of the Bahamas and Alabama State University to create a combined festival choir that performed “The Cry of Jeremiah,” the latest work of composer Dr. Rosephanye Powell, who narrated the work while her husband, Dr. William Powell, served as conductor.  Following the performance, the WSSU Choir was invited to premiere the work at Lincoln Center in New York in May 2014.

“Our students performed beautifully and it was truly an outstanding experience for them,” said D’Walla Simmons-Burke, director of choral and vocal studies at WSSU.  “The choir always learns such a great deal when they perform new works, perform with choirs from other institutions, and have the opportunity to engage in a cross-cultural exchange with the students from the Bahamas.  Plus, after this tour, we are all excited about the opportunity to perform at Lincoln Center in 2014.”

In addition to the performance at the festival, the WSSU Choir also presented a full concert at Southland Church of God in Nassau, Bahamas.  Following the trip to the Bahamas, the WSSU Choir will begin its 2013 Spring Tour that includes stops in Wake Forest and Raleigh, N.C. as well as Atlanta, Jonesboro and Fort Valley, Ga.