PowerPoint Presentation

Meet The Artistic Director and Founder of Voccalis International Singing Repertory CompanyCelebrated Soprano, Lillian Roberts has travelled and performed throughout the US and Europe. Her notable performances include a debut in the title role of Aida with Hudson Opera Theater, and Marguerite from Gounods Faust with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra while in residency at the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts. The highlight of the performance for me involved Aida, the lead soprano Lillian Roberts, singing a kind of conversation with the oboist...the hauntingly beautiful O Patria Mia. TOM KANE, The River Reporter

Additionally, she has performed at Chautauqua Opera, and Union Avenue Opera. Her 3rd tour with A.S.E. consisted of a solo debut performance at the Santander Festival Internacional which was broadcast on the Spanish National Radio in front of the King and Queen of Spain. Other solo guest performances include: Carson City Symphony, and the Ocean City Pops Orchestra. Awards; 1st Place, Meistersinger Competition (Austria), Marian Anderson Classical Artist Prize at Oprah Winfrey's Marian Anderson Humanitarian Award Ceremony, Metropolitan Opera District and Regional Awards, and the Mario Lanza Scholarship Competition. Lillian is well-known for her moving and emotional KET/PBS performance of Song To The Moon.Lillian Roberts, Lirico-Spinto Soprano

Voccalis International Singing Repertory CompanyVoccalis, Tessitura, and Vocal Pops USA are designed to aid the emerging and professional artists through performances and through the generation of relationships between artists, schools, and the community. Founded and directed by Artistic Director Lillian Roberts, an internationally renowned dramatic soprano, and General Director Renato N. Estacio, the former director of marketing for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Voccalis is designed to be a nonprofit focused on the funding of the arts through educational outreach and performances and is actively seeking this status. As a nonprofit based in the arts, Voccalis is in need of gracious benefactors in order to maintain its operation and performances. We are delighted in the response and interest generated by this company and would readily answer any inquiries you may have regarding this organization and its season.International Singing Repertory Company Presents Spirituals: The Art of African American Song with TessituraTessitura is a resident vocal ensemble of Voccalis, International Singing Repertory Company. This touring ensemble is comprised of professional, classically trained soloists who perform a variety of musical styles from Opera to Jazz. Spirituals: The Art of African American Song illustrates the diverse capabilities of the ensemble and the healing impact music has on the world. The deep meaning of life can be ascertained through human struggle, which is illustrated in the African American Spiritual; also known as the soul of American History.

Black History Outreach Proposal for Schools

Voccalis International Singing Repertory Company Presents Spirituals: The Art of African American Song with

The following slide presentation provides an overview of a 45 minute Black History Concert on the evolution of Spiritual Art Songs by African American Composers. These beautiful, heartfelt songs will expose students to a vital part of American History by diverse and professionally trained operatic voices, and introduce them to a unique collaboration between singers, dancers, piano, and drums through both solo and ensemble repertoire. Spirituals are uplifting and soulful. They provided hope and deliverance to oppressed African American slaves and also served as a method of escape to freedom. A brief overview of How the Spiritual became an Art SongAfrican American Composer, H.T. Burleigh (1866-1949), was a composer, arranger, and professional singer who wrote over 300 songs. He was one of the first African American composers to develop the idea of American music and was instrumental in providing African American Art songs to classically-trained artists by introducing them to his own unique arrangements of traditional spirituals. In fact, Burleigh introduced the famous Czech composer, Antonin Dvok (1841-1904), to Spirituals while he served as his apprentice. Dvok believed the Spiritual was the only American music and incorporated them into his New World Symphony in 1893. This was the first time in history that Negro music was used as a major theme. Although he began composing songs in 1890, he became one of Americas best known composers of American art song in 1910. During this time, he also became an editor for Italian music publisher, G. Ricordi. Burleigh is mostly known for his arrangement of Deep River. However, he also wrote numerous songs and song cycles for piano and orchestra. Additionally, his song arrangements became so popular during the 1910s and 1920s, that every major recitalist in the US made sure to program his music. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Burleigh)

Other African American composers produced arrangements of spirituals for small ensembles, chorus, and solo voices as well as arrangements with piano and orchestra. Our concert will feature some of these arrangements by incorporating drums and dancers to add to the overall celebration of African American Spirituals. School OutreachVoccalis International Singing Repertory Company is dedicated to performing a variety of music genres including spirituals and exposing schools and the community at large to African American Music.This 45 minute Show will incorporate 8-12 singers; 1 pianist; and 1 djembe drum with Dancers.Each soloist will perform 1 solo in addition to exciting ensemble pieces by Moses Hogan, Hal Johnson, Undine Smith Moore, Margaret Bonds, and more.Tessitura will thrill your students with their classically trained sound which will further emphasize the importance of utilizing good vocal technique and performance skills. In addition, the students will be introduced to the origin of African American Art Song and its impact on Classical Music.This concert will include both ensemble and solo repertoire by Moses Hogan, Mark Hayes, Margaret Bonds, Undine Smith Moore, Hal Johnson, and more...

Tentative Spirituals Program Voccalis International Singing Repertory Company Presents Spirituals: The Art of African American Song with TessituraProgram:IntroductionElijah Rock Jester HairstonDeep RiverH.T. BurleighCity Called HeavenE. BoatnerHold Out Your LightMoses HoganI Wanna Be ReadyArr. J. MillerSoon And Very SoonArr. A CrouchDidnt My Lordfrom Spirit SuiteArr. Mark HayesEvery Time I feel the SpiritArr. H.T. BurleighTotal PraiseArr. R. SmallwoodHow Great Thou ArtArr. Herbert ThamesAmenR. De CormierPrecious LordT. DorseyHes Got The Whole World In His HandsMargaret BondsJesus Is A rockG. BurleighWalk Together ChildrenArr. H. SmithTessitura Rehearsal Videos

Tessitura Performance Pictures

Concert Details and FeesInteractive 45 Minute ShowCollaborative performance featuring 8-12 Soloists from Tessitura, 2-4 Dancers, 1 Pianist, and 1 Conga or Djembe DrumStudents will be exposed to African American Art Songs in the form of SpiritualsStudents will be able to participate by clapping and singing along when prompted which will provide an interactive experience between the singers and the students.$ 500 Initial Asking Fee