Performance Feature! To the Afflicted by Raehann Bryce-Davis

“To the afflicted, weeping is sweet, it is the only joy which remains.”

You may have seen this video floating around, but I wanted to shine a light on it today. Raehann Bryce-Davis is an incredible young mezzo soprano that I had the pleasure of performing with during the 2018 world premiere of “Sanctuary Road” in Carnegie Hall with the Oratorio Society of New York. Because of the pandemic, her debut at the LA Opera was cut short. In August, this music video premiered in response to the struggles of the Black Lives Matter movement. She describes this particular performance of the Act 1 aria from Donizetti’s “Roberto Devereux” as a song of mourning for opera and equity. She also shines a light on the new organization Black Opera Alliance and Arts Unlimited Southwest (founded by her mother!) Both organizations provide opportunities and resources for Black artists and underserved communities. If you are able, I urge you to make a contribution. If not, please share this video with others!
Brava, Raehann! I can’t wait to see what you put out next.