The Origin story: I, Too, Sing

As a trained Black vocalist, I have always had a complicated relationship with classical music. While I love the majesty and beauty of classical music, I understand that the art form of classical music historically has not been a place for African women and that trend continues even today. This hard truth became abundantly clear when as an undergraduate student, I realized the musical pieces I practiced had little connection to my life as an African American woman. While the repertoire I sang was beautiful, I was disappointed there wasn’t a connection between the music I sang and the life that I lived.

Searching for answers, I decided to purposely seek out Black composers in classical music, and after finding the Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers, I became obsessed with performing their work. So much so, that I decided to dedicate my senior recital entirely to Black Classical Composers. This was a risk, as my voice teacher was unsure if Black artists had written in German, Italian, and French which were languages I was required to sing in. Nevertheless, I was determined, and my teacher offered her support by connecting me with Dr. Darryl Taylor, who is the founder of the African American Art Song Alliance.

This relationship ended up shaping my current academic interest as Dr. Taylor helped me to discover a new world of Black classical composers and a community of classical musicians and academics whose work aligned with my experiences. Utilizing the leads of Dr. Taylor and the African American Art Song Alliance community, I discovered that Black classical composers actually have existed since medieval times. Moreover, there were several notable historically significant Black classical composers including Joseph de Bologne, and Antonio Carlos Gomes. Ultimately, my recital was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but my passion for bringing attention to Black composers continued to grow.

In the Summer of 2020, I decided to create I, Too, Sing, a platform wherein I could perform and teach people about the works of Black Classical Composers. While my vision has definitely changed since first starting this entity, my passion has not. I, Too, Sing is a project that will remain dedicated to celebrating the lives and legacies of Black Classical composers. As I continue along this journey, it is my sincerest hope that you all tag along for the ride!

Best,

Candace Burgess