A Choral Tapestry to celebrate Black History Month Feb. 22

Southern Delaware Chorale will present A Choral Tapestry in celebration of Black History Month at 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road north of Rehoboth Beach.

Under the directorship of Sarah Rose of Lewes and Joseph Shortall of Baltimore, the chorale will perform a wide variety of selections that pay tribute to the contributions of African American composers, performers and poets. The ensemble will perform music by Brazilian classical composer José Maurício Nunes Garcia and selections by R&B singer/songwriter Bill Withers. 

Special guests set to perform are Cantabile, a women’s community choir based in Milford, and choral groups from Sussex Tech and Milford high schools. Cantabile will perform three traditional spirituals and will join Sussex Technical High School’s Bella Voce for a presentation of “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” an American folk hymn.

The Milford High School Chorus will perform four selections, including Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” and other selections based on spirituals and historic events. Completing the concert’s festivities will be The Southern Delaware Chorale performing six pieces, including a moving rendition of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.”

One of the highlights of the concert is when all four groups join together for the opening piece, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Rose said, “The audience is surrounded by voices young and old, and it is always a powerful moment.”

Children 17 and under attend free. For more information, go to southerndelawarechorale.org.