– CANCELLED – Still WE Rise: Changing HERstory | Ensemble Lyrae

“Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.”

Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou, Ensemble Lyrae’s Spring 2020 concert, “Still WE Rise: Changing HERstory”, explores the theme of women throughout history who have persisted in the face of obstacles. This program celebrates those who have spoken up, risen up, fought for what is right, and paved the way for others by changing the course of history. Works include the stories and/or words of women such as Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Malala Yousafzai, Abigail Adams, Louisa May Alcott, and Anne Frank, among many others. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, the program includes a set of suffragette songs, never taking for granted this fundamental right.

We stand on the shoulders of the courageous women who came before us. While we have made much progress, there is still work to be done. Women and men are waking and rising to the call for conscious engagement around widespread imbalances.
We rise
We rise
We rise.