Hello and Welcome Back!
We are thrilled to once again be sharing music with all of you live and in person! While we have always been drawn to the magic that is collective singing, our forced separation crystallized our understanding of just how powerful and important song is to each of us as individuals, to our personal community, and to the world. In other words, if we didn’t know before, we really do know now “Why We Sing.”
And, under the leadership of our new Artistic Director, Dr. Brandon Waddles, we plan to share that with you throughout the season. Through various events–sometimes in person and sometimes online–we’ll examine how singing connects us to creativity, history, legacy, and community.
Like everyone, we have had to adapt to the demands and limitations of the pandemic, including singing in masks, continuing some remote music-making, and limiting the scale of our productions to allow for personal safety. (Which, unfortunately, includes forgoing one of our beloved traditions, Too Hot To Handel for one more year. Not to worry, though: we are already working on a triumphant return to The Detroit Opera House in December 2022!).
We are proud of all of our singers for their perseverance. And, we are immensely grateful for the continued loyalty and support of all of our audience members and patrons. We could not function without your presence or, frankly, your dollars. After nearly two years without concert revenue, your contributions have been that much more important these past months.
Thank you for joining us, and for recognizing the power and meaning of singing—together.
Emily J. Eichenhorn
PRESIDENT AND MANAGING BOARD MEMBER
October 29, 2021, 7:30 pm (First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak): Prayers and other conversations
In our first in-person concert in nearly two years, we present songs of prayer and conversation.
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April 1, 2022, 7:30 pm, (Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills) : Spirituals at the Cathedral, A Sacred Concert … to connect to history
We honor the legacy of the spiritual in American history through the works of local composers and arrangers.
At this free jazz and poetry concert, Rackham Choir joins Wayne State University Choir, Christ Church Cranbrook Choir, the Boys Choir of Detroit, several musicians, and poet Cherise Morris in Christ Church Cranbrook’s annual Sacred Music Concert. Directed by Rackham’s Brandon Waddles, the evening celebrates purposeful praise through inspired performance that includes a range of offerings, from historical spirituals rendered in new ways to Broadway favorites.
The doors open at 7 PM.
If you can’t make it to the in-person service, this service will be available to watch online at cccathome.org, on the Christ Church Cranbrook Facebook page, or on the Christ Church Cranbrook YouTube channel.
Click this link for more details:
Spirituals at the Cathedral – A Sacred Concert
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May 20, 2022, 7:30 p.m., (First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak): Rising To The Top: Annual High School Vocal Intern Showcase concert
Our annual event highlighting the development of our talented high school vocal interns.
For over 15 years Rackham Choir has mentored exceptional young singers as they begin their journeys to careers in vocal performance. Alumni are now singing on Broadway and international opera stages. This annual showcase presents a unique opportunity for you to get a glimpse into the future!
Join us as Rackham Choir sings with these exceptional young performers:
Grace Watson, Soprano — Berkley High School
Molly Levin, Soprano — International Academy Okma
Sawyer Evans, Mezzo-Soprano — Mercy High School
Brendan Lockhart, Bass — Waterford Mott High School
Admission to this concert is free, however donations are welcome. Click here or on the donate button above.
The internship program is funded 100 percent through donations, including those gathered at the showcase, and a major grant from The Village Club Foundation.
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