A Song Flung Up to Heaven

The Washington Chorus celebrates its 65th anniversary in a special concert titled "A Song Flung Up to Heaven." The program pairs two contrasting sacred-inspired works: Nkeiru Okoye’s *When the Caged Bird Sings* and Francis Poulenc’s *Gloria*. Both pieces blend reverence with theatricality, weaving European and American musical traditions into a life-affirming experience that explores spiritual ritual and the human condition. The performance features an all-star lineup of soloists, including jazz mezzo Christie Dashiell, tenor Issachah Savage, baritone Michael Preacely, and renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut, along with narrator Denyce Graves and sopranos Colleen Daly and Angela Brown. Eugene Rogers conducts, and members of the EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble join the chorus.

When: Sunday, February 28, 2027.

Showtimes: The concert begins at 3:00 PM.

Program: The first half presents Poulenc’s *Gloria*, followed after intermission by Okoye’s *When the Caged Bird Sings*, a work inspired by Maya Angelou’s poetry and commissioned by The Washington Chorus.

Lineup: Artists include Christie Dashiell (jazz mezzo-soprano), Issachah Savage (tenor), Michael Preacely (baritone), Cyrus Chestnut (piano), Denyce Graves (narrator), Colleen Daly (soprano), Angela Brown (soprano), and members of the EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble. The composer, Nkeiru Okoye, is also listed, and Eugene Rogers serves as conductor.

Venue: DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.

Tickets: Ticket information has not been released; the event page indicates that tickets will go on sale July 23 (specific year not provided). No pricing tiers have been announced.

Note: The concert is a highlight of The Washington Chorus’s 65th anniversary season, bringing together a diverse roster of acclaimed vocalists and instrumentalists.