On May 4, the Michael Teolis Singers (MTS) will present one of the most ambitious and significant concerts in its 17-year history, “Grandes Dames of the Black Chicago Renaissance,” featuring the music of Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Lena McLin, Betty Jackson King, Irene Britton Smith, and Regina Harris-Baiocchi.
These amazing women developed their crafts in Chicago, leaving their special marks on the musical history and culture of the Windy City. The centerpiece of the concert is Margaret Bonds’ “Credo,” dedicated to the memories of her close friends Abbie Mitchell and Langston Hughes and featuring a text by W.E.B. DuBois.
MTS often performs uncovered gems that are important contributions to musical art. The May 4 concert—held at the First United Methodist Church of Oak Park–features works from Black women who were influenced by the music and emotions that embodied the post-World War I Great Migration of Blacks from southern states to northern cities, often Chicago. Classically trained composers like Ms. Price and Ms. Bonds also flourished, producing significant works in non-idiomatic styles that are included in the upcoming program and even now influence the Chicago music scene.
MTS members are all volunteers, coming from all walks of life. Director and founder Michael Teolis has helped shape Chicago’s musical landscape for 50 years as a music education professional and freelance musician. Maestro Teolis is a published composer, and many of his former students have achieved significant recognition in the music industry.
Learn more about MTS or purchase tickets at https://www.mtsingers.org/.