Howard University Choir Dazzles in Nanjing

In honor of Black History month, the inauguration of America’s 43rd President, and in celebration of 30th anniversary of U.S. – China official diplomatic relations, the Consulate General in Shanghai partnered with the Nanjing Art Institute to present a concert featuring the Howard University choir to a standing-room-only crowd at the Institute’s famous concert hall in Nanjing on March 21, 2009.  Performing songs from a variety of backgrounds including music by Samuel Barber, early American New England Folk Hymns and choral compositions by African American composers, Dr. Norris introduced each piece of music giving the audience a greater appreciation of the context of each song.  The audience included music students from the Institute, provincial choir directors, provincial level officials and alumni of State Department exchange programs.  The performance was introduced by the Institute’s Vice President, and CAO Alys Spensley also greeted the crowd with welcome remarks in Chinese.   Howard students were also given a chance to learn more about Chinese history and culture the day following the concert when they were joined by students from the Institute who served as their cultural guides for a visit to several tourist sites in Nanjing.     
  

Howard Choir Conductor Dr. Norris on stage.	Jiangsu TV interviews Howard student.	Howard and Nanjing Art Institute performers with Consulate and Institute Officials following the concert .

Standing room only crowd watching the performance.	Howard and Art Institute students explore Nanjing.	Howard students explore Nanjing.

CAO Alys Spensley presents 30th Anniversary Poster to Nanjing Art Institute Vice President.	Howard Choir members demonstrating a technique at the roundtable lecture.