The Nathaniel Dett Chorale in the courtyard at St. George the Martyr in Toronto. Image: The Nathaniel Dett Chorale

In celebration of black history month, the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada is pleased to launch an article on the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. The Chorale is a Toronto based, 22-voice professional chamber choir founded in 1998 by conductor Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. It was named for the performer, composer and pedagogue Nathaniel Dett and was the first choir in Canada to actively promote Afrocentric music. The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is the only Canadian professional choral ensemble to comprise, but not entirely, members of African-Canadian descent.

Since its inception, the Chorale has recorded three albums, toured extensively across Canada and the United States and performed during the inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009. The Chorale was the subject of the documentary film Carry Me Home: The Story of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, which won a Gemini Award (Canada Award) in 2003. Below is a preview of the documentary and a musical performance:

I had the honour of singing under the direction of Brainerd Blyden-Taylor in the year 2000. He was the guest conductor for the Nova Scotia Youth Choir. He challenged us with a 2 ½ hour program, including the music of Mendelssohn, Morten Lauridsen and Moses Hogan. While our collaboration was over ten years ago, it left a lasting impression. I remember his captivating presence; when he spoke, we listened and we were better musicians for it. Watch the video below for a glimpse of what I experienced:

We are fortunate to have such powerful and passionate musical leaders in our country. If you live in the Toronto area, I urge you to attend a Nathaniel Dett Chorale concert this season and be sure to check out the EMC’s new article before you go!

Visit The Nathaniel Dett Chorale.