AN INDIGO CHRISTMAS…
THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS

LAND & ANCESTOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Today we honour and acknowledge that we stand on the traditional land of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Anishinabek, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. This territory is governed by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Treaty. In the Spirit of that Treaty, we seek to place at the centre of our gatherings the values of respectful reciprocity, diversity, peace, responsibility, and mutual aid.

 We acknowledge all Indigenous nations and African diasporic communities unjustly harmed by generations of imperial domination, subjugation, colonialism, displacement, and cultural genocide – wounding tribes, families, elders, children, and natural resources, from the continent of Africa and around the globe.

 We acknowledge the brilliance, courageous leadership and presence of Black communities for hundreds of years on this territory. We offer gratitude for all who labour, both past, present, and future, to make Tkaronto a safer and more just environment for racialised peoples. We acknowledge centuries of Black and Indigenous solidarity, collaboration, love, mutual support and resilience. We commit ourselves to confronting, challenging, and uprooting racism and colonialism at all levels of our personal, social, and collective spaces.

 We acknowledge all who came before us, all Black and Indigenous Ancestors of the territories we inhabit, and we extend our gratitude and respect.

Welcome Note

Welcome to An Indigo Christmas…Glory To The Newborn King. The word indigo calls to mind many things – colour, spirituality, mood, reverence, blues, soul, synthesis, unity, invocation, and ritual. Newton designated indigo as one of the seven prismatic or primary colours, and as such, it has a unique harmonic vibration and energy that seems fitting to surround a concert of Christmas and seasonal music with a distinct Afrocentric vibe.

Even as we celebrate the messages of peace, hope and love inherent in the Christmas Season, we cannot ignore the state of our world, and the anxiety and turmoil that is prevalent in the present moment. As the renowned author Toni Morrison stated, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language [to this I would add, we sing]. That is how nations heal.” Ms. Morrison goes on to say, “I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge – even wisdom. Like art!”  

It is in this spirit that we offer tonight’s program, beginning with the Nguzo Saba Suite by Glenn Edward Burleigh in celebration of Kwanzaa.  Dr. Maulana Karenga founded the organisation Us in response to the Watts riots in Los Angeles, California, USA in 1965. It is from this organisation and the philosophy of Kawaida that the celebration of Kwanzaa sprang. Dr. Karenga stated:

“From the beginning, the essential task of our organisation Us has been and remains to provide a philosophy, a set of principles and a program which inspires a personal and social practice that not only satisfies human need but transforms people in the process, making them self-conscious agents of their own life and liberation. Such a transformative practice will, of necessity, also lead to the building of moral community and to the constant becoming of the best of what it means to be both African and human in the fullest sense. 

The set of principles which we put forth are the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith). These Seven Principles are essential standards of personal and social excellence directed toward building and sustaining moral community, and strengthening and maintaining the community’s capacity to define, defend and develop its interests in the most positive and productive sense.

In addition to being standards of excellence, the Nguzo Saba are also categories of priorities and categories of human possibilities. As categories of priorities, they tell us some of the most important things in our lives, identifying a key set of views, values and practices which we should, even must, put first in our personal and social life. And as categories of possibilities, the Nguzo Saba, offer us a set of principles that encourage thought and practice which help define, develop, and enhance our humanity in the context of community and the world.”

~Dr. Maulana Karenga~

The second half of the programme celebrates the birth of a child of promise over two thousand years ago, a child who became the symbol of freedom, peace and love. Glory to the Newborn King features a collection of exquisite gems of Afrocentric Spirituals and Carols by contemporary composers, except for the Negro Bell Carol. It also allows us to showcase the talents of three fine conductors whom we are blessed to have as part of the ensemble. I trust that even as you enjoy the thrilling voices, harmonies, and rhythms tonight that you will be inspired to be self-conscious agents of their own life and liberation, and to share your various gifts, your ‘art’, to promote hope and healing in our world. Welcome to the 27^th annual An Indigo Christmas concert.

Peace, Love and Light.

Brainerd Blyden-Taylor
Artistic Director

AN INDIGO CHRISTMAS…
GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING

Saturday, December 6, 2025, 8:00 PM
Grace Church on-the-Hill
300 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, ON

 The Nathaniel Dett Chorale
Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, Artistic Director
Dakota Scott-Digout, Collaborative Pianist

PROGRAMME

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Invocation

Nation Cheong, drummer

Nguzo Saba Suite, Op.41 |Glen Edward Burleigh (1949-2007)

1. Umoja (Unity)
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

Andrew Gunpath, baritone

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
5. Nia (Purpose)
6. Kuumba (Creativity)
7. Imani (Faith)/Finale

INTERMISSION

A Christmas Canticle | Adolphus Hailstork (b.1941)
No Small Wonder | Paul Edwards (b.1955)
The Saviour’s Birth | arr. Marques L. A. Garrett (b. 1984)

Matheus Coelho, conductor

Negro Bell Carol | Willis Laurence James (1900-1966)

Benjamin MacDonald, tenor

A Carol For All Children | Adolphus Hailstork
Noél Ayisyen (A Haitian Noel) | Emile Desamours (b.1941)

Dallas Bergen, conductor 

Coventry Carol | arr. Darmon Meader (b. 1961)
Glory To The Newborn King | Robert L. Morris (b. 1941)
See Dat Babe | arr. Stacey V. Gibbs (b. 1962)
Gloria In Excelsis | Ivo Antognini (b. 1963)

Matthew Boutda, conductor

Go Tell It On The Mountain | arr. Bruce Saylor (b. 1946)

PROGRAMME TEXT

Nguzo Saba Suite, Op. 41 – Glenn Edward Burleigh

I. Umoja (Unity)
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and Psalm 133:1

Umoja! Unity.
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For people to dwell together in unity.
Umoja! Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For all to live with each other in peace and unity.
Got to get together with each other.
We need Umoja!

Got to get together with each other, each other.
No more nations against nations.
No more kindred against tribe.
We need Umoja! Unity.
Umoja! Unity, Umoja! Umoja!

 Stop that fighting and lend a hand.
We need Umoja!
Stop backbiting, together we must stand.
We need Umoja! (people, my people, O…)

Umoja! Unity.
No more nations against nations.
No more kindred against tribe.
We need Umoja!
Behold how good and pleasant it is to dwell in unity, Umoja!

II. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and Philippians 4:13

Kujichagulia!
Now that I have been set free, Kujichagulia!
I will be all I can be. Kujichagulia!
I can do all things, Kujichagulia!
Through Christ who strengthens me. I am determined!
Now that I have been set free, I, am,
I will be all I can be. Determined!
I can do all things, I, am,
Through Christ who strengthens me. Determined!
I am determined! I am determined!

Can’t hold me back.
Can’t hold me back no longer. (
I can soar on eagle’s wings. I can do all things, Kujichagulia!
Through Christ I can do all things. Kujichagulia!
I will reach my goal somehow. Kujichagulia!
Nothing can stop me now. I am determined!
I can soar on eagle’s wings. I, am,
Through Christ I can do all things. Determined!
I will reach my goal somehow.
Nothing can stop me now.
I am determined! I am determined!

Kujichagulia!
Can’t hold me back no longer.
I am determined. Kujichagulia!

III. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4

Ujima! Ujima!
It takes a village to raise a child.
The “Son” is going down, pick them up.
The “Son” is going down, lend a hand.
Not just parent or sibling, none can stand back and hide,
It takes a village to make a child.

The “Son” is going down, bow your head.
The “Son” keeps going down shamefully.
They are imprisoned in the body, imprisoned in the mind.
It takes a village to set them free.

Look up, O child of colour.
You have a helping hand.
Be strong, O child of colour.
You have a promised land.
Be at one with each other; with your God be reconciled.
We are your village; you are our child.

Your dreams are our dreams.
Your tears are our tears.
Your laughter makes us happy.
Our God will drive away your fears.
The “Son” is rising up; watch them soar,
Rising high on eagle’s wings forever more.
All you needed was a hand for you to reach your promised land.
We are your village; you are our child.
It takes a village to raise a child.

IV. Ujamma (Cooperative Economics)
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and John 9:4; Malachi 3:8-10

Ujamma!
Work while it is day, when the night cometh, no one can work.
Work while it is day, when the night cometh, no one can work.
Work while it is day, when the night cometh, no one can…
Work while it is day! Work while it is day!
Share the wealth with each other.
Share the wealth and your means with each other.
Work! Work while it is day, when the night cometh, no one can work.
Ujamma! Ujamma!

Bring a tenth to the Lord’s house. Bring a tenth to the Lord.
So that there will be meat in the house for each one and each other.
Work while it is day, when the night cometh, no one can work.
Ujamma! Ujamma! Work!

V. Nia (Purpose)
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 10:27; John 13:37; 1 John 4:7-21

Why was I born? Why was I born?
Was I born to feed hungry children, or to give shelter to the homeless?
Was I born to be my sibling’s keeper, companion to the lonely?
I was born to love the Lord with all my heart,
My soul, my mind and strength.
If I love God, I can love all.
This is my purpose. Nia!

Why was I born? Why was I born?
Was I born to preach the Gospel, or to care for aging elders?
Was I born to help the single parent or council the prisoner?
I was born to love the Lord with all my heart,
My soul, my mind and strength.
If I love God, I can love all.
If I love all, I can love God!
This is my purpose. This is why I sing my song.
Nia! Nia! Nia! 

VI. Kuumba (Creativity)
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and Psalm 51:10

Elohim, Fountain of Creativity.
Kuumba!  Kuumba!  Kuumba!  Kuumba!  “Kumbayah!”
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew in me a right spirit.

How can I make the lonely child with tears in their eyes stop crying?
When infirmity comes, how can I make the withering one stop dying?
Kuumba! Kuumba! Creativity comes from You.
Kuumba! Kuumba!

Help me teach the illiterate one how to read, how to write!
Help me teach all the children to join in the fight,
Without fighting each other.
Kuumba! Creativity comes from You, Lord.
Kuumba! Please show us what to do, Lord.
Kuumba! Creativity comes from You. Kuumba!

Show me how to save the drowning one on the drug!
They are hungry, and homeless, and helpless, and hopelessly in despair.
Show me how to rebuild all the run-down houses,
And how to encourage the hungry, the homeless, the helpless,
The hopeless who don’t seem to care.
Kuumba! Kuumba! Creativity comes from You, Lord.
Kuumba! Please show us what to do, Lord.
How can I bring joy to the lonely heart?
How can I give the one who has lost their job a brand new start?
Kuumba! Creativity comes from You, Lord.
Come by here, Lord. Show us what to do, Lord.
Kuumba! Kuumba! Kuumba! Kuumba!  “Kumbayah!”

VII. Imani (Faith) – Finale
Text – Glenn Edward Burleigh and Hebrews 11:1-40

Imani!
Lift every voice and sing about Imani!
Sing a song full of the faith, full of the hope.

I believe in the Triune Creator. I believe in the Eternal Word.
I believe in the power of the Spirit. Imani!

Substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen.
Without faith it’s impossible to please the Lord.
Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, and Sarah, and Joshua all had Imani!
Martin said, “We will survive.”  Jesse said, “Keep hope alive.”
Nelson was jailed, Mandela was jailed, yet his mission prevailed.
How we love our ‘Mama Africa’
Deep in our hearts, Imani! Imani! We do believe.
We do believe; We shall overcome! We shall overcome!
We have already come this far by faith!

Although we say, “Let freedom ring!
Let it ring with liberty and justice for all.”
I must wonder in my mind as I ponder in my heart,
Do we really mean for all. Imani!

Nguzo Saba! Nguzo Saba!
Stop that fighting and lend a hand.
We need Umoja!
Stop backbiting, together we must stand.
We need Kujichagulia!
Got to get together with each other.
We need Ujima!
Got to get together with each other.
We need Ujamma!
Got to get together with each other.
We need Kuumba!
Got to get together, learn to live with each other.
We need Nia! Imani!
Celebrate the Kwanzaa Nguzo Saba!

INTERMISSION

A Christmas Canticle – Adolphus Hailstork

A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
And shall call his name Immanuel.
And he shall refuse evil.
And he shall choose the good. Amen
~Isaiah 7:14-15

No Small Wonder – Paul Edwards

Small wonder the star, small wonder the light,
The angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright;
But stable and manger for God – no small wonder!

Small wonder the kings, small wonder they bore
The gold and the incense, the myrrh to adore;
But God gives his life on a cross – no small wonder!

Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace,
The power, the glory, the light of his face;
But all to redeem my poor heart – no small wonder!
~Paul Wigmore (1925-2014)

 The Saviour’s Birth – Marques L. A. Garrett

Hodie Christus natus est:
Today Christ is born;
hodie Salvator apparuit.
today the Saviour has appeared.

There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow,
It will lead to the place where the Saviour’s born
Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

Follow, follow, rise up, shepherd, and follow.
Follow the star of Bethlehem.
Oh, Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

Venite, venite in Bethlehem:
Come, O come to Bethlehem:
Mary had a baby, Yes, Lord.
What did she name Him? Yes, Lord!
She name Him King Jesus, Yes, Lord!
Natum videte Regem Angelorum.
See the new-born King of Angels.

If you take good head to the Angel’s word,
Rise up, shepherd, and follow,
You’ll forget your flock, you’ll forget your herd.
Rise up, shepherd, and follow,
Leave your flocks and leave your lambs,
Oh, Rise up, shepherd, and follow,
Leave your sheep and leave your rams.
Oh, Rise up, shepherd, and follow.

Puer natus est nobis,
A boy is born to us,
Puer natus est in Bethlehem,
A boy is born in Bethlehem,
Hic jacet in praesepio
Here he lies in a manger,
Et vocabitur nomen ejus,
And his name shall be called:
Magni consilii Angelus.
The Angel of great council.
Oh, Mary, what you gonna call yo’ pretty little baby?
There’s a star in the East.
Oh, Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Rise!
~from Negro Spirituals, and traditional Latin

Negro Bell Carol – Willis Laurence James

Ding, Dong, Bim, Boong,
Go, angels, ring ding dong bells in glory.
Ring gold and silver bells in heaven bright.
The gold bells say ding,
The silver bells say dong
For my sweet Jesus’ birthday song.

Ring, golden bells, in glory Christmas mornin’
Ring ding dong bells in every land
To tell everybody a wonder has been done:
In Bethlehem is born the Son,
Newborn baby in Bethlehem.

O holy Jesus, so meek and so mild,
Born here so lowly, sweet Mary’s child. 

Babe in a manger, no home but a stall,
Came from the Kingdom, with mercy for all.

Go, angels, ring dem gold and silver bells,
Sweet golden bells! Sweet silver bells!
Ring, angels, ring! Ding Dong.
~Willis Laurence James, adapted from African American folk sources

A Carol for All Children – Adolphus Hailstork 

Sleep, sleep little child;
May the world adore you.
We pray little child:
Peaceful life before you.

Bless, bless, little child,
All the world around you.
We pray little child:
Love and joy surround you.

Share, share, little child,
With the world about you.
Give, care, little child,
Though the world may doubt you.

Spread the light of life,
Warm each heart with caring.
End the night of strife;
Teach us peace and sharing.

When your day is through,
And your world is sleeping,
May the joy of you
In each heart be keeping.
~Adolphus Hailstork

Noél Ayisyen – Emile Desamours

Sé té nan Betléèm
Yon ti kwen nan Judé,
Mari té f’on gason
A minui n’on étab.
Sé té pitit Bon Dyé,
É sé té wa dè wa.
Dépi’m tou piti kon sa
Mwen konn istwa sa.
Té genyen twa wa maj
Ki swiv yon gwo zétwal,
Kado yo nan men yo
Pou yo vin’ adoré’l.
É yo té byen sézi
Lè yo wè ti Jézi
Kouché nan mitan yon bèf
Avère yon bourik.
A la koté ou tandé, mézanmi wo!
Noèl sé yon istwa ki byen étranj!
Jézi, pitit Bon Dyé, wa dè wa,
Ki pa genyen bèso,
Li kouché sou pay pami zannimo
… O! O!
Yo rélé’l admirab,
Konséyé, Dyé puisan,
Sé Pè étènèl tou
É li sé prins la pè.
Ni bèjé, ni wa maj
Adoré’l a jénou.
Yo ba li kado
Sélon sa yo té genyen.
Lè sa si nou té la
(tan-man-nam),
Fok nou ta fè yon jès
(tan-man-nam),
Nou ta ofri mizik
(ba-dap-pi)
An bon jan ayisyen
(tchi-ki-tchi).
Nou tap poté tanbou,
Manniboula, banbou, tcha-tcha,
Ak bèl kout bandjo
Nou ta chamé ti Jézi
Jézi, Jézi, ti Jézi nou,
A la renmen, nou renmen wou.
Ou poté la pè pou tout noun,
È wou vin’ établi la gras.
Noèl, Noèl, Noèl, viv Noèl!
~Emile Desamours

It was in Bethlehem,
A little corner of Judea,
That Mary had a baby boy
At midnight in a stable.
He was the Son of God
And he was the King of Kings.
Since I was a little child
I’ve known this story.
There were three wise kings
Who followed a great star
With gifts in their hands
To come worship the child.
And they were quite amazed
When they saw the little Jesus
Lying between a cow
And a donkey.
Hear that, my friends!
Noel is a strange story indeed!
Jesus, Son of God, King of Kings,
Doesn’t even have a cradle.
He sleeps on the straw among
animals … Oh my!
They called him Wonderful,
Counselor, Mighty God;
The Everlasting Father, too:
And he was the Prince of Peace.
Both shepherds and wisemen
Bowed down to worship him.
They gave him gifts
According to what they had
Back then, if we’d been there
(ta-ma-na),
We’d have done something fitting
(ta-ma-na),
We’d have offered him music
(ba-dap-peem)
Of the best Haitian kind
(chee-kee-chee).
We’d have brought drums,
Manniboulas, vaccins, maracas;
With fine banjo strums
We’d have charmed little Jesus.
Jesus, Jesus, our little Jesus,
We love you greatly.
You bring peace to all people
And you offer us grace.
Noel, Noel, long live Noel!
~Emile Desamours 

Coventry Carol – arr. Darmon Meader

Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
By, by, lully, lullay.
Lully, lullay, thou little tiny child,
By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters too, how may we do
For to preserve this day;
This poor youngling for whom we do sing,
“By, by, lully, lullay”?

Herod the king, in his raging,
Charged he hath this day;
His men of might, in his own sight,
All young children to slay.

That woe is me, poor child, for thee,
And ever mourn and say;
For thy parting neither say nor sing,
“By, by, lully, lullay.”
~16th Century Traditional

Glory to the Newborn King – arr. Robert L. Morris

Oh Mary, what you goin’ to name that pretty little baby?
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
(Oh Mary, what you goin’ to name that pretty little baby?)
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory! Glory!
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
(Oh, some call Him one thing, I think I’ll call Him Jesus, glory!)
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory! Glory!
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
(Oh, some call Him one thing, I think I’ll say Emmanuel, glory!)
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory! Glory! Glory!
Glory to the newborn King,
Glory to the newborn King,
Oh Mary, what you goin’ to name that pretty little baby?
Glory to the newborn King,
(Think I’ll call Him King!)
~Traditional Spiritual

See Dat Babe – arr. Stacey V. Gibbs

Refrain:

See dat Babe in de lowly manguh,
He gon’ take all my sin away,
He gon’ reign wit’ my God in glory
One of dese days, one of dese days.

He was born of de Virgin Mary
To bring peace to a weary lan’.
He come down from de God in heaben,
Oh behol’ de Son of Man. Refrain: 

Was no room in de inn, dey tol’ Him
An’ dey sent my Lawd away
He was wrapped in swaddlin’ clothes
An’ He was born in a manguh hay.

Come, behol’ de Baby Jesus!
See dat Babe, oh, see dat Baby Jesus,
See dat Babe, oh, see de King,
Oh, behol’ de newborn King
See dat Babe, oh, see my Lawd.
One of dese days, one of dese days.
O yes, He gon’ reign one of dese days!
~Traditional Spiritual

 Gloria In Excelsis – Ivo Antognini

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.
Laudamus te. Benedicimus te.
Adoramus te. Glorificamus te.
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam.
Domine Deus, Rex caelestis, Deus Pater omnipotens,
Domine Fili unigenite, Jesu Christe.
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius Patris.
Qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Suscipe deprecationem nostram.
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris, miserere nobis.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus. Tu solus Dominus.
Tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe.
Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris. Amen.
~Traditional Latin, from the Mass Ordinary

Glory to God in the highest
And on earth peace to men of good will.
We praise you. We bless you.
We worship you. We glorify you.
We give thanks to you for your great glory.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God the Father,
Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father.
You who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
You who take away the sins of the world,
Receive our prayer.
You who sit at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only are the Most High, Jesus Christ.
With the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
~Traditional Latin, from the Mass Ordinary

Go, Tell It on the Mountain – arr. Bruce Saylor

Go, tell it! Go, tell it!
Tell it, tell it, over the fields and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the fields and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.
(Oh, go tell it on the..)
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the fields and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born.

When I was a seeker,
I sought both night and day.
I asked the Lord to help me,
And He showed me the way.
(Oh, go tell it on the..)
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the fields and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born (Watchman, Watchman, Watchman, Watchman).

The Lord made me a watchman
Upon the city wall,
And if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the fields and everywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born, Jesus Christ is born
Go, tell it! Go, tell it!
Tell it, tell it, over the fields and everywhere.

The wisemen and the shepherds
All hailed the Saviour’s birth.
He came to spread the message
Of peace to all the earth
O, Go, tell it on the, O, go tell I on the
Mountains and the hills and everywhere.
(O, Go tell it, hear the angels singing,
Hear the angels sing,)
Go, tell it! Go, tell it!
Tell it, tell it, over the fields and everywhere.
O, Go, tell it on the, O, go tell I on the
Mountains and the hills and everywhere. (That)
That Jesus (Christ) is (born), Jesus Christ is born!
~Traditional Spiritual

THE NATHANIEL DETT CHORALE

D. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor

 D. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor is the Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada’s first professional chamber choir dedicated to the creation, preservation, and performance of Afrocentric choral music of all genres. Mr. Blyden Taylor has worked extensively as an educator at the university, public school, and community levels; and was awarded the degree Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from York University, Toronto for his service to education. He is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and lecturer, both nationally and internationally. Mr. Blyden-Taylor is also an active and dedicated church musician.

Dakota Scott-Digout

Originally from Nova Scotia, Toronto-based pianist Dakota Scott-Digout has been heard in recital across North America as both a collaborator and soloist, gaining praise particularly for his performances of chamber music and art song. Dakota serves on the artistic team of the Toronto Children’s Chorus, the VOCA Chorus of Toronto, and The Nathaniel Dett Chorale; and has enjoyed collaborations with the Elmer Iseler Singers and That Choir. Recent projects have included an ongoing collaboration with Echo Chamber Toronto in their production A World Transformed, which intertwines art song and chamber music with dance. Additionally, Dakota was a featured artist alongside soprano Tracy Cantin and tenor Marcel d’Entremont during Debut Atlantic’s 2022/2023 concert season. Dakota is highly sought after in Toronto as a collaborative pianist, clinician, and serves as a pianist for voice performance classes at the University of Toronto.

Dakota holds degrees in piano performance from Université de Montréal and Mount Allison University. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto where he was named the 2020 winner of the Gwendolyn Koldofsky Prize in Accompanying, awarded to the top collaborative pianist at the Faculty of Music. He has further refined his skills at the Orford Music Academy, Barachois Summer Music Festival, Musique sur Mer with pianist Susan Manoff, and was an Art of Song Fellow as part of the Toronto Summer Music Festival in the summer of 2021. His principal teachers have included Stephen Runge, Jimmy Brière, and Steven Philcox. Particularly passionate about French vocal repertoire, Dakota’s research interests are centred around early twentieth century performance practice and the mélodies of Gabriel Fauré.

The Nathaniel Dett Chorale

The multi-faceted vocalists of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale perform all styles and genres of music as appropriate to the traditions of Africa and its Diasporas. The Chorale’s mission is to build bridges of understanding, appreciation, and acceptance between communities of people through the medium of Afrocentric choral music.

Founder D. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor named The Nathaniel Dett Chorale after internationally renowned African Canadian composer R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943) to draw attention to Dett’s legacy, to the breadth of Afrocentric choral music, and to be a professional choral ensemble where persons of African heritage can be well represented.  Currently in its 25th Season, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is also Artist in Residence at The Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on Africa and its Diasporas at York University.

Despite our best efforts to avoid errors and omissions, mistakes can occur. If your name is listed incorrectly, misspelled or missed inadvertently, we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused. We would appreciate being notified of any errors. Please send an e-mail to info@nathanieldettchorale.org