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I sing with The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, a professional 20-voice chamber choir specializing in Afrocentric music. I first heard The Chorale in concert with Kathleen Battle and the TSO, and was so excited by the choir’s performance that I went home trembling. I was initially hired by Artistic Director Brainerd Blyden-Taylor as a sub, for a tour of New England. It was a trial by fire – there was no time to prepare, so I ended up sightreading some very challenging music in concert – but everyone was exceptionally welcoming and supportive. For the past year I’ve been a member of the group, and have spent a lot of time on the road. We had some amazing experiences last season, singing for Jessye Norman at the Dance Theatre of Harlem; in the prestigious chamber music series at the Library of Congress in Washington; at Howard University. Our popularity in the States is growing quickly, and it can be a lot of fun performing for an audience steeped in the Black church tradition – they treat us like rock stars. There is definitely something to be said for the audience taking a more antiphonal, visible, audible role than the average classical music crowd. When people are jumping up and hollering encouragement, how can you help but bring it?
 
Where does your choral singing fit into other aspects of your life?
 
Well, with all the touring I do, I’ve become pretty comfortable onstage. That will come in handy as I begin to pursue a career in opera. The Chorale also gives me a sense of community, something I’d been yearning for for a long, long time. 
 
What kind of concerts to you like to attend? How often?
 
I don’t get to a lot of choral concerts as an audience member, mostly because I’m so busy performing. But one group I’d love to see and hear is I Fagiolini, from the UK – their The Full Monteverdi brings madrigals to life by staging them as short operas. So brilliant! I’ve been thinking about a similar project for ages, and have started to talk to a few friends about putting together a theatrical chamber choir.


Does being in a choir offer social opportunities you would not otherwise have?
 
When I first joined The Chorale, I was a little concerned, because I knew there were several members who were devoutly religious. Although I have an extensive religious background myself, as a lesbian I feel unwelcome in most churches, and have been on the receiving end of some pretty harsh judgments. Something about choral singing, though, can transcend apparent differences. Opening your mouth to sing makes you vulnerable, and the shared vulnerability of choral singing can produce some strong social bonds. Going on tour can make those bonds even stronger. To my surprise, my colleagues started coming to me with questions about lesbian and transgender issues, and in turn I was able to let go of my assumptions about how they saw the world. Also, since I joined The Chorale I’ve been to more fabulous parties than I can count!
 
Does your choral “habit” require a budget? How do you feel about choral attire?
 
Well, first of all, ‘habit’ may be an apt description of what some choirs wear, but in my choir we like to show some skin. And you would not believe how much time and money I’ve spent trying to find the perfect stage shoes. Getting the right balance of comfort and glamour is an ongoing challenge. In The Nathaniel Dett Chorale we have an undercurrent of friendly competition going on: who can be the most gorgeous? Alas, we have to be gorgeous within our means.