The Hochstein Youth Singers and Hochstein Singers, directed by Maryellen Giese, join forces with the Sweden Senior Singers (also directed by Giese) and the Bel Canto Youth Chorus of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, PA, to mark the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial with this special concert featuring all three groups.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Harriet Tubman features songs about social justice and making a difference in the world, fitting as a tribute to the famed abolitionist, Civil War spy, suffragist, and humanitarian who lived in Auburn, NY from 1859 through 1913. Earlier in the day, all three groups will visit the Harriet Tubman Home in Auburn, along with other sites related to her history.

The concert includes songs based on the words of Susan B. Anthony and Maya Angelou; Harry Belafonte’s “Turn the World Around;” “Give Light,” based on the words of the Civil Rights leader and organizer Ella Baker; and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which has been called the Black national anthem.

The Hochstein Youth Singers will perform the new piece “Together, We” by Hochstein alum Jon Madden, written especially for the chorus. The Bel Canto Youth Chorus will perform spirituals from “Harlem Songs” by Gwyneth Walker, with poetry by Langston Hughes; and “Stand Up” from the biographical film Harriet. The Sweden Senior Singers will perform “We are the Music Makers” by Patti Drennan.

The Bel Canto Youth Chorus was founded in 1993 and is comprised of auditioned treble singers from five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. Their 2021 concert video Stand Up: Singing the Underground Railroad has been widely acclaimed for its expressive artistry, stunning videography, and timely message.

Sweden Senior Singers, directed by Maryellen Giese, is a chorus of enthusiastic singing seniors from the greater Brockport area who rehearse weekly during the school year (in masks and socially distanced this year) at the Sweden Clarkson Recreation Center in Brockport. Sweden Senior Singers put on a Spring Concert each year for the Brockport Community. Hochstein Youth Singers and the Brockport High School Choir each take turns performing with SSS every other year. Before the pandemic, SSS performed in nursing homes, senior facilities, and special musical events throughout the Rochester area. 

Hochstein Youth Singers is an energetic chorus made up of motivated and dedicated young musicians. Hochstein Youth Singers perform diverse choral repertoire in multiple languages and styles at concerts throughout the school year. An extension of the Hochstein Youth Singers, Hochstein Singers perform more challenging music, combining voice training with the joyful experience of music-making.

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