Masterworks 3:
A Child of Our Time

Michael Tippett wrote A Child of Our Time between 1939-41. After the Nazi’s “Kristallnacht” (November pogroms) had left a profound impression on Tippett, he decided to write an oratorio in support of oppressed people everywhere. The result was his stunning A Child of Our Time, written for chorus, orchestra and vocal soloists. Tippett’s work has become most famous for its ingenious use of African American spirituals that connect the different parts of the oratorio. It is one of those rare works that is thought provoking, yet healing at the same time. 

Guest Soloists

Featuring Guest Soloists

Soprano

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Laquita Mitchell

Soprano Laquita Mitchell consistently earns acclaim on eminent international opera and concert stages worldwide.  Ms. Mitchell performed the soprano soloist in the world première of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road at Carnegie Hall with Oratorio Society of New York which was nominated for a 2021 Grammy Award.

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Jorell Williams

Jorell is widely recognized for his concert work, having performed as soloist with the Omaha Symphony, South Dakota Symphony, Orchestra of St. Lukes, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey, Juneau Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Geneseo Symphony, The Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra, Caelis Academy Ensemble, Essential Voices USA, The Little Orchestra Society, Hudson Chorale, National Chorale, and the Harlem Chamber Players.

Bass

Mezzo-soprano

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Dawn Pierce

Mezzo-soprano Dawn Pierce is a native of Olean, New York, and currently an assistant professor of voice at Ithaca College. Praised as both an exceptional performer and an empowering teacher, Ms. Pierce is devoted to promoting a deeper understanding of artistry and self-expression. Reviewers laud her as “vocally impressive and dramatically convincing,” while students describe her teaching as “creative,” “energetic,” and “inspiring.”

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Dann Coakwell

Dann Coakwell, tenor, has been praised as a “vivid storyteller” (The New York Times), with “a gorgeous lyric tenor that could threaten or caress on the turn of a dime” (Dallas Morning News). Coakwell can be heard as a soloist on the Grammy-winning The Sacred Spirit of Russia (2014), the two Grammy-nominated albums Considering Matthew Shephard by composer/director Craig Hella Johnson (2016), which peaked at number three on the Billboard Classical chart, and Conspirare: A Company of Voices (2009). All three collaborations joined Conspirare on Harmonia Mundi records. Coakwell also appeared on the 2016 Naxos release of composer Mohammed Fairouz’s Zabur (role: Jibreel), with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Orchestra.

tenor