Belle Voci and the Essence of Joy Alumni Singers proudly present, “Proclamations of Courage II,” a concert commemorating Women’s History Month.

104 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted women the right to vote. 

Belle Voci’s Artistic Director, Lorraine Milovac will enthusiastically lead the 60-member chorus, accompanied by Giambelli String Quartet. Lynne Hayes-Freeland, accomplished Pittsburgh radio/television host, community activist, and public figure, will ardently narrate the struggle and triumph of women during our live choral performance. Denise Sheffey-Powell will perform the mezzo-soprano soloist role, representing African American women. “Suffrage Cantata” recounts the story of passionate devotion of countless women of diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds who lit the flame of the historic suffrage movement.

Belle Voci immerses viewers in the struggles, sacrifices, contributions and triumphs of the inspiring women who made this vote happen. Award-Winning composer, Andrea Ramsey’s, “Suffrage Contata,” recounts the passionate devotion of countless women through their quotes and writings, transformed into song and video-portrayal representations.

The second half of the program will feature inspiring and entertaining performances by Essence of Joy Alumni Singers (EQJAS), under the direction of Dr. Anthony T. Leech. EQJAS selected a series of compositions and arrangements of spirituals by living African American female composers including Rosephanye Powell, Ysaye Barnwell, Fail Jones Murphy and Shirly M.K. Berkeley.

The choir, founded in 2005, is composed of alumni of the Essence of Joy choir of The Pennsylvania State University. EQJAS’s mission is to learn, present and promote African and African American sacred and secular choral literature to entertain, inspire, affirm and unify the worldwide community. 

The program will close with a composition arranged by Dr. Anthony T. Leech, joining the voices of Belle Voci and Essence of Joy Alumni Singers as one chorus.

“Proclamations of Courage II” is free and open to the public.