One small way we are observing Black History Month is by celebrating the music of African-American composers. This Sunday, the choir will sing an anthem by Moses Hogan (pictured here), who is best known for revitalizing the Negro spiritual tradition. A pianist, conductor, and arranger, he specialized in works for the voice, especially the professional choral spiritual like the one you’ll hear from the St. Michael’s Singers. Hogan tragically died in 2003 at the age of 45 of a brain tumor. His choral arrangements live on and are celebrated around the world by high school, college, church, community, and professional choirs alike.

This Saturday at 3pm at St. Michael’s we are offering a breather from sacred music and celebrating LOVE! Ping & Woof Opera presents the vocal recital “Songs for My Valentine” with husband and wife singers Jocelyn Claire Thomas (soprano) and Zachary Lenox (baritone), accompanied by Hannah Brewer on piano. They will sing vocal solos and duets by Roger Quilter, Georges Bizet, Franz Schubert, Cécile Chaminade, and more, with a little musical theatre sprinkled in as well. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted.