CAAPA Brings Color to the Classics
By • September 19, 2024 0 550
The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts, known as CAAPA, held the opening reception for its 18th Annual Melody of Art Season on Sept. 10 at the Arts Club of Washington. Set to coincide with the eve of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, the theme of the night was “Bringing Color to the Classics.”
Founded in 2003 by brother and sister Victor and Pamela Simonson, CAAPA is a nonprofit with the mission of helping to provide opportunities in the performing arts for Black classical musicians, youth and others through performance, education and outreach.
Co-founder Terri Allen, the mother of Victor and Pamela, serves as CAAPA’s executive director, advocating for Black involvement in the arts by developing programs and partnerships that lead to performance opportunities for African American classical musicians.
Reggie Van Lee, an active CAAPA board member who chairs D.C.’s Commission on the Arts and Humanities, was a formidable host for an evening of art, music and celebration, honoring “the diversity that makes us stronger.”
CAAPA graduates gave spectacular performances throughout the evening, demonstrating the success of the organization’s efforts, as well as the necessity of its ongoing commitment. The Jazz Trio, the first scholarship awardees in 2014, expressed gratitude to the founders for cultivating and nurturing the members’ talent while offering a support system. The tangible opportunities for achievement in the arts throughout the community and on the world stage have proved invaluable.
Two awardees were honored for outstanding dedication and exceptional contributions to CAAPA. Arts philanthropist Alizon Hull, a chorister with Washington National Opera, was the proud recipient of the Arts Advocacy Award for her dedicated patronage to the cause.The Artistry Award went to two-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges. Known for her commanding stage presence, Bridges has performed on the world’s top opera and concert stages.The award ceremony concluded with her performance of an excerpt from “Carmen,” delighting the guests.
Art by Frank Frazier, a self-taught Black artist, was featured throughout the space, echoing CAAPA’s message of support for Black art galleries and for Black art in America generally.
In a continuing effort to support Black communities by improving access to the arts, CAAPA offers a variety of programs that provide meaningful and impactful opportunities. In addition to Music Scholarships, these include: the Performance Virtual Series, OPERAtions Virtual Music Sessions for Kidz, Opera for Fun Youth Outreach Program, CAAPA Arts Academy, CAAPA Camp and a Masterclass Series. All funding received will go toward the upcoming season.
Donors accompanied by Reggie Van Lee. Photo by Allyson Burkhardt.
Ayanna Freelan, J’Nai Bridges and Pamela Simonson-Parker. Photo by Allyson Burkhardt.
J’Nai Bridges. Photo by Allyson Burkhardt.
Art by Frank Frazier. Photo by Allyson Burkhardt.
