

WHAT IS SHARED VOICES?
Shared Voices is an unprecedented collaboration between historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), top conservatories, and schools of music in the United States. This initiative is designed to address belonging, access, and inclusion in a groundbreaking way. Through classes, individual lessons, coaching, rehearsals, performances, and peer-to-peer exchanges, participants will have access to expand their cultural horizons, develop networks, and gain new insights into potential opportunities for a fulfilling career. These singers take ownership of their career trajectories in a classical vocal arts landscape; one that reflects the diverse world in which we live.
PROGRAM
DREAM VARIATIONS
Shared Voices Immersive Concert
January 19, 2025
3:00 PM
Northside Baptist Church
Featuring the MEMBERS OF THE DENYCE GRAVES FOUNDATION SHARED VOICES COHORT
With pianist, Paul Byssainthe
Program curated by Dr. Louise Toppin
WELCOME
Pastor Walter L. Parrish III., Northside Baptist Church
Pierre Vallet, Music Director, The Denyce Graves Foundation
SARAH BUTLER, SOPRANO | The Juilliard School
The Wider View | H. Leslie Adams *
Dream Variations | R. Thompson *
ALEXANDER CHAMBERS, BASS | Oakwood University
Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal | H.T. Burleigh *
I Dream a World | U. Brown *
AUBREY COLE, SOPRANO | Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute
Summer in the South | J. Evans *
Heart on the Wall | R. Owens
Ingemisco from Requiem Mass | J.M. Nunes Garcia
VALARIE MILES, MEZZO-SOPRANO | Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute
Mon Pauvre Coeur | E. Dédé *
What My Lips Have Kissed | M. Bonds *
CUBA STELLENBERG, TENOR | Morehouse College
Lizette, ma chêre amie | C. Nickerson *
His name so sweet | Arr. H. Johnson
INTERMISSION
DAISHA VENSON, SOPRANO | Fisk University
Dansé conni conné! | C. Nickerson *
Hold Fast to Dreams | F. Price
JAYDON BELEFORD, TENOR | Manhattan School of Music
Life and Death | S. Coleridge-Taylor *
Daybirth | H. Leslie Adams *
KAYTIE JEFFRIES, SOPRANO | Jackson State University
I Went to Heaven | G. Walker
Amazing Grace | H. Leslie Adams
MELISSA PEREYRA, SOPRANO | New England Conservatory
This Lit'L Light Of Mine | Arr. R. Carter
Dawn | F.D. Hall *
Heart Riddle #2 | M. Corley *
* Song from the newly created anthology for Shared Voices by Dr. Louise Toppin
MEET THE ARTISTS











WHY DGF MATTERS
The programs of the Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF) promote access and inclusion in American classical vocal arts by championing the hidden musical figures of the past while uplifting young artists of world-class talent from all backgrounds and preparing them for a successful future.
Hidden Voices uncovers and celebrates the contributions of our nation’s outstanding musicians of color whose achievements are not widely known but have an important place in our evolving American cultural identity.
Generational Voices addresses the often missed vulnerability in the careers of emerging artists; offering mentorships, advocacy, and access to top industry professionals, preparing these singers to take ownership of their career trajectories.
Shared Voices, DGF’s initiative to promote belonging, access, and inclusion, invites elite historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and conservatories to participate in a relationship that strives to create and encourage meaningful connections between consortium members – students, faculty, and administrators – that result in a greater awareness of the diversity within the classical vocal arts and culminate in a meaningful collaboration.

TO OUR SUPPORTERS





JOHN J. POHANKA FAMILY FOUNDATION TRUST
EUGENE B. CASEY FOUNDATION
ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION
ERWIN L. GREENBERG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
WITH MUCH GRATITUDE

1050 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste. 500
Washington, DC 20035
1325 Avenue of the Americas, 28th Floor
NYC, NY 10019
917-821-3437
Our Federal tax ID is 86-2276658.
The Denyce Graves Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.