Celebrating Elizabeth Catlett with the Denyce Graves Foundation Singers

Listen to singers from the Denyce Graves Foundation in a concert honoring the exhibition Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist, on view through July 6, 2025. Titled Art and Soul: American Art Song through the Lens of Generations of Black Composers, this program compliments Catlett’s art based on music—art that represents her own faith in the power of song to inspire change.

Program

Art and Soul: American Art Song through the Lens of Generations of Black Composers

Centered on the universal themes of love, faith, hardship, and unity, this program reflects the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Black community—expressions of joy and struggle that have long been woven into its contributions and interpretations of American music. Featured works illuminate a lineage of creativity and excellence that continues to shape the classical vocal cannon of today.

Symone Harcum, soprano
Shavon Lloyd, baritone
Paul Byssainthe, pianist

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799)
Arias from L’Amant Anonyme
“Aimer sans pouvoir le dire”
Shavon Lloyd, baritone
“Du Tendre Amour”
Symone Harcum, soprano

Rosephanye Powell (b. 1962)
Miss Wheatley’s Garden, Volume 1
I Want to Die While You Love Me
A Winter Twilight
Songs for the People
Shavon Lloyd, baritone

Will Liverman (b. 1988)
“A Golden Day”
“A Prayer”
Jasmine Barnes (b. 1991)
Might Call You Art
I. Let Me
Symone Harcum, soprano

Leslie Adams (1932-2024)
Nightsongs
I. Prayer (arranged for duet by Symone Harcum)
II. Drums of Tragedy
III. The Heart of a Woman
VI. Creole Girl
A Wider View
VIII. Love Rejoices
Shavon Lloyd and Symone Harcum

Spirituals (arr. Dave Ragland)
“There’s a man goin’ round taking names”
“Steal Away”
“Calvary”
Symone Harcum, soprano

About the Denyce Graves Foundation

The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF) is focused on the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts. Deeply inspired by the achievements of America’s hidden musical figures, the Foundation is invested in doing research and educating the public about their remarkable stories of courage and persistence. From enriching our musical heritage to preparing the diverse pool of tomorrow’s vocal stars, DGF positively impacts how artists are valued in the United States, encouraging opportunity, access, and advocacy for the next generation.