ArtsWatch: New Leadership at Choral Arts Society and Congressional Chorus
By • October 6, 2022 0 1419
This month’s ArtsWatch includes new leadership at The Choral Arts Society and The Congressional Chorus. Gen. Colin Powell was honored at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and Levine Music’s CEO also received an award.
The Congressional Chorus Announces Relaunch of its American Youth Chorus with New LeaderThe Congressional Chorus announced the relaunch of its American Youth Chorus with new artistic director Jonathon Hampton. The American Youth Chorus is a part of the Congressional Chorus organization, a multigenerational group whose mission is to inspire people to embrace a shared humanity through choral music. Membership in the AYC is currently offered to children in 4th through 8th grade. Children are exposed to all types of music, from classical to soul and everything in between. More information on the AYC can be found at congressionalchorus.org/ayc.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture Names Military History Gallery in Honor of Gen. Colin Powell
The late Gen. Colin Powell (1937-2021) was celebrated at the National Museum of African American History and Culture with a dedication ceremony. The museum named its military gallery after the decorated general and first African American to hold the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reflecting Powell’s longstanding support for the museum and his lifelong service to the U.S. Powell’s story is featured in the museum gallery alongside objects he donated.
The late Gen. Colin Powell (1937-2021) was celebrated at the National Museum of African American History and Culture with a dedication ceremony. Courtesy NMAAHC.
The Choral Arts Society Hires New LeaderD.C.’s 60-year-old choral organization, The Choral Arts Society, has hired Dr. Jace Saplan to lead as artistic director. Dr. Saplan is a polyglot fluent in eight languages. A native Hawaiian, he is an Obama Asia-Pacific Leader through the Obama Foundation for the 2022-2023 year. He has a vision to democratize classical music. According to The Choral Arts Society, no choral organization at this level has attempted to do what Saplan is trying, by using the classical canon as the entry point and strategically working in new global works by fresh, diverse composers like Zanaida Robles and Jorge Vidales.
Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan will serve as the new artistic director the the Choral Arts Society. Photo by Andy Stenz. Courtesy Choral Arts Society.
Levine Music CEO Receives AwardPresident and CEO of Levine Music Jeffery Tribble, Jr. received the Award for Excellence in Visionary Leadership at the 37th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards. “A Night of D.C. Stars” feted Tribble, along with 13 other award winners who were celebrated for their contributions to the D.C. creative community. Tribble recently celebrated his first year leading Levine Music, the area’s leading music education organization.
