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Karen Slack, soprano and Kevin Miller, piano

Renowned opera star Karen Slack is “not only one of the nation’s most celebrated sopranos, but a leading voice in changing and making spaces in classical music” – Trilloquy.

Karen Slack returns to FCM’s Chamber Series with the Colorado premiere of African Queens, a vocal recital celebrating the history and legacy of seven African queens, celebrated as rulers but rarely recognized in the western world.  The program includes new art songs by acclaimed composers Jasmine Barnes, Damien Geter, Jessie Montgomery, Shawn Okpebholo, Dave Ragland, Carlos Simon, and Joel Thompson.

Commissioned by Friends of Chamber Music along with the Aspen Music Festival, Boston Symphony Orchestra for the Tanglewood Learning Institute, Ravinia Festival, Washington Performing Arts, and New York’s 92nd Street Y. 

Click here for the complete concert program, including program notes and texts/translations.

Want to watch online? Click here for livestream tickets.  One ticket covers your entire household, with the stream available to view for 72 hours.

Hear more about the African Queens project in this conversation with Karen Slack and FCM board member, Alix Corboy.

Thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts for providing funding for this program.

Event Details

October 2, 2024 @ 7:30 pm
$50 general admission; $15 for guests 30 and younger: $5 for students (with ID)

Venue Information

Gates Hall, Newman Center
2344 E. Iliff Ave.
Denver, CO 80208 United States
303-871-7720

Program

  • Dave Ragland: Precatio
  • Carlos Simon: Behold, The Queen
  • Dave Ragland: The Queen of Sheba
  • Jessie Montgomery: The Song of Nzingah
  • Fred Onovwerosuoke: Luwah (Bitter Tears)
  • Shawn Okpebholo: A Letter From Queen Ufua
  • Fred Onovwerosuoke: Duniya (Mystic Universe)
  • Jasmine Barnes: I Am Not Your God
  • Will Liverman: A Prayer
  • Joel Thompson: Queen Nanny's Lullabye
  • Damien Geter: Amanirenas
Download Program