A Night of Black Excellence: Songs of a Revolution

Fort Worth Opera’s smash-hit Black History Month concert returns on February 20, 2022 with a starry line-up of internationally renowned artists. Co-curated and co-hosted by Metropolitan Opera superstar soprano Karen Slack and FWO General Director Afton Battle, this eagerly anticipated concert will feature rousing performances by renowned opera singers Michelle Johnson, Limmie Pulliam, Audra Scott, Karen Slack, Brandie Sutton, Veronica Williams, bassist Laesio Littlejohn, FWO Lesley Resident Artist Brandon Bell, and FWO Studio Artists Lwazi Hlati, Prosper Makhanya, and Ndumiso Nyoka.

This inspiring event will also feature composer/vocalist Jasmine Barnes, flutist Malcolm Payne, Jr., spoken word poet, artivist, and author Leslie N. Polk, and virtuoso pianists Dr. Gregory Thompson and Joseph Williams. These incredible musicians will be joined by Dallas’s award-winning David W. Carter High School Choir, the exhilarating Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble, and Sheran Goodspeed Keyton Gospel Ensemble, featuring pianist Myles Tate. Fort Worth Opera will also honor Ms. Opal Lee, 95-year-old “Grandmother of Juneteenth” and internationally beloved Fort Worth social impact leader, with a special tribute during the concert.

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A Night of Black Excellence: Say It Loud - Songs of a Revolution will feature works by Cyrus Chestnut, Duke Ellington, Shawn Okpebholo, Nina Simone, original pieces composed and performed by Veronica Williams and Jasmine Barnes, and beloved classics by Puccini, Verdi, Massenet, and other great operatic composers.