Voices of Color Rise In Song

Third Annual Sopranos Slay Concert

Eight classically trained singers of color who have diversified opera houses throughout their singing careers will descend as an ensemble for the third annual Sopranos Slay concert. The ensemble includes Detra Battle, Nicole Butler, Anamer Castrello, Karla Rivera, Monique Holmes-Spells, Pamela Simonson, Dara Rahming, and Jayna Brown (youth performer). The group is joined by guest Mistress of Ceremonies, Soprano Opera Singer, Miss America 2019, Nia Franklin, who is using her national platform and her voice to transform lives through art, especially for Black classical musicians. “I want America to see that classical music is still alive and thriving, especially that an African American woman is singing opera, “stated Franklin. “Because there’s so many kids out there that don’t know that they can do classical music.”

 The ensemble will use arias, Negro Spirituals, Jazz, pop, and Broadway as a platform to portray beautiful and powerful women in all walks of life.

Presented by The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA), the 501c3 non-profit arts organization is dedicated in advocating for diversity on the stage on behalf of Black classical musicians, youth, and others in the performing arts by “Bringing Color to the Classics!” In conjunction with Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council as well as many supporters. Guests are invited to help extend holiday cheer and wear sparkle (or not) to help usher in the New Year, at 4:00pm, Jan. 12, 2019 at the Bowie Performing Arts Center. For more information, visit www.4caapa.org