This concert is presented as the capstone project of VSO African American Fellow Daphine Henderson, and aims to highlight the importance of passive and active contributions to our community. The passive aspects would be performing various works by African American composers, with instrumentation including string quartets/quintets, duets and trios, and solo music. The concert will feature works by Xavier Foley, Adolphus Hailstork, Damien Geter, Christen Holmes, Adrian Sims, and a world premiere of “His Day is Done” by Ray Fields, which celebrates the life and impact of Nelson Mandela through the words of Maya Angelou. The active aspect would be inviting young musicians from the Hampton Roads public school area and Norfolk State University to participate in this program. This is a great way to work on establishing a foundation for our young musicians and strengthening their relationship with the HR community and their respective support for the arts.

The event is free and open to the public. Donations accepted on site.

Proceeds will go to the music programs of each participating school in this concert: Norfolk State University, Governor’s School of the Arts, Norview High School, and Roadstead Montessori High School. Proceeds will also be used to pay for the licensing fees of performing the new work and to pay the professional musicians who are assisting me with this program.

The donation form will be active through the end of May, and the goal is to raise $2,500 to continue fostering and growing these wonderful musicians and their future as musical leaders.