Serendipity Chorale: Celebrating Black History Month

Join Wilton Library for a very special celebration of Black History Month. Experience the Serendipity Chorale, featuring professional baritone Edward Pleasant. The chorale will perform a program of gospel songs and spirituals, along with songs from the civil rights movement. The group’s leader, Gigi Van Dyke, will narrate this music’s role in Black history. In particular, she will explain how slaves sang spirituals to communicate escape routes to reach the underground railroad.

Van Dyke has led Serendipity’s group of men and women of diverse backgrounds for 49 years. From all around Fairfield County, music is their common denominator. The Lt. Governor’s office also honored them as a Connecticut Treasure “for long devotion to spreading smiles and songs throughout southwestern Connecticut.” The chorale even sang with Andy Williams and Pete Seeger and performed at the Levitt Pavilion, the Westport Playhouse and at the Norwalk Concert Hall.

Critically acclaimed in opera, stage, narration, recording, and musical theater, Pleasant is recognized as one of the most versatile performers of his generation. He chiefly distinguishes himself as an expressive singer and a gifted actor with brilliant comic timing. Additionally, prominent venues David Geffen (Avery Fisher) Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Texas State Capitol and the White House have heard his rich baritone voice.

Registration is required, online or call 203.762.6334.