East Coast Premiere a Stunning Success!
Our trip to Washington D.C. stays in our hearts forever
At the end of May, Resonance Ensemble traveled to Washington D.C. to perform with Choral Arts Society of Washington and NEWorks Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir for the East Coast premiere of An African American Requiem. In just five short days, new friendships were formed, old friendships grew stronger, and—of course—we got to make some incredible music.
It was a trip we will remember forever.
Resonance is so grateful for the opportunity to share Damien Geter’s important, beautiful music with a world that needs it more than ever. A big thank you to the Choral Arts team for being such wonderful hosts and helping our West Coast performers feel so welcome!
We hope you all will enjoy a few of our favorite snapshots from our time in the nation’s capitol!
Rehearsals for the East Coast premiere
Hot and humid weather, flight delays, thunderstorms, tight timelines, masks, and COVID tests—nothing could stop us. Performers from Choral Arts, NEWorks, and Resonance joined together to prepare for the premiere. The room was abuzz with intense concentration and collaboration. We especially loved when Dr. S. Renee Mitchell (poet for the last movement of the Requiem) joined rehearsal, sharing with the performers both her poem and her insights about the importance of this work.
AFTER WORK, WE PLAY!
This action packed trip didn't allow for much downtime, but our intrepid singers squeezed adventure into every moment. Here are a few of our favorite candids they shared with us!
Cheers! (Judy A. Rose and Shohei Kobayashi)
Game time! Maya Brown and Judy A. Rose are winners of some Resonance merch!
Friends forever. (Judy A. Rose, Cassidy Bacon, and Patrice Woods)
Maria Karlin outside the Kennedy Center!
Venturing out for a tour of DC
THE EAST COAST PREMIERE - MAY 23, 2022
Backstage and lobby candids from the Kennedy Center!
The Resonance singers are sure looking dapper waiting for their big entrance onto the Kennedy Center stage!
It’s almost time!
Damien Geter with a loving admirer.
We recognize these fans!
Our own Brandon Brack shown here with Brandon’s family and Damien.
Long time Resonance singer and supporter Stephen Marc Beaudoin (seen here with Liz Bacon) was with us too!
The Requiem Story signs came with us and were displayed in the lobby. Audiences were invited to share what this evening meant to them.
We were so excited to share more about Resonance - including the My Requiem Story series - with the East Coast audience!
THE EAST COAST PREMIERE
Thank you to Shannon Finney (courtesy of Choral Arts) for these beautiful shots captured inside the Kennedy Center concert hall.
The NEWorks Philharmonic Orchestra
Nolan Williams, Jr., conductor, NEWorks Philharmonic Orchestra
Karmesha Peake, Mezzo Soloist
Soloists from L to R: Jacqueline Echols (soprano), Karmesha Peake (mezzo), Norman Shankle (tenor), Kenneth Overton (baritone)
Final bows - expressions of gratitude.
A standing ovation!
Indeed, it was a beautiful night.
THERE ARE FEW WORDS TO DESCRIBE HOW WE FEEL. (...but we sure will try!)
Many have predicted that An African American Requiem will change the world. One thing is certain: for musicians and arts leaders on both sides of the country, this Requiem has certainly changed us.
