Experience Nkeiru Okoye’s 'When the Caged Bird Sings', a musical celebration that features a unique compositional style rooted in the African American church, while also incorporating elements of minimalism and improvisation. This work conveys a powerful message of adversity transformed into triumph, highlighting the resilience of African American women. It draws inspiration from the experiences of author and activist Maya Angelou. The piece functions as a communal ritual, merging the elements of oratorio, opera, and theatre. Through the collaboration of vocal soloists, a chorus, and an orchestra, it creates a poignant experience that both commemorates and celebrates hope and possibility.

This recording features award-winning director Rita Coburn and an impressive cast of soloists, including soprano Angela Brown, mezzo-soprano Christie Dashiell, tenor Issachah Savage, and baritone Jubilant Sykes. They are accompanied by pianist Cyrus Chestnut, the vocal ensemble EXIGENCE, and the University of Michigan Chorus and Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kenneth Kiesler.

Artists

Angela Brown, Christie Dashiell, Issachah Savage, Jubilant Sykes, Exigence, University of Michigan Chamber Choir, University of Michigan Orpheus Singers, University of Michigan University Choir, University of Michigan Symphony, Rita Coburn (narrator), Cyrus Chestnut (piano), University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and Kenneth Kiesle, Lenora Green-Turner, Tyrese Byrd, LaVonté Heard, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and Ke, Nicole Joseph, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and K, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Kiesler