The award-winning a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in The Rock makes an anticipated return to Symphony Center on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 3pm, after wowing the capacity audience with their debut in 2008.
In its 35 years, the sextet of vocalist-percussionists, accompanied by an onstage sign language interpreter, has been internationally embraced for its genre-spanning mixture of gospel, folk, blues, rap and ethnic styles, and for seeking to entertain, inspire and educate.
With spirited, inspiring performances, this African-American a cappella ensemble showcases its deep ties to the sacred music of the black churches—spirituals, hymns and gospel—as well as its affinity for blues, reggae, African chants, hip-hop, ancient lullabies and jazz improvisation.
Its music, derived from African-American legacy and experience, denounces injustice while championing activism and celebrating the universality of love.
Accompanied by hand percussion instruments such as rattles and gourds, the six-member ensemble combines four- and five-part harmonies, intricate rhythms, and songs with social and political messages that are both topical and timeless.
Founded by longtime civic rights activist Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973 at the Black Repertory Company in Washington, D.C., Sweet Honey in The Rock has since toured throughout the world and has been featured on Grammy Award-winning recordings, as well as in several documentaries and books.
More than 20 members have passed through Sweet Honey’s ranks over the past 35 years; the current lineup features Aisha Kahlil, Carol Maillard, Louise Robinson, Ysaye Maria Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, and sign-language interpreter Shirley Childress Saxton. Dr. Reagon retired from the ensemble in 2004.
The group takes its name from a biblical passage found in Psalm 81:16. In it, King David promises his people that if they are obedient to God they will be rewarded with “honey out of the rock,” an apt metaphor for African-American women who are at once strong and enduring, sweet and nurturing.
Sweet Honey in The Rock has released more than 20 albums, including 2004’s Raise Your Voice, the soundtrack to the PBS film by Stanley Nelson that documented the life of the group.
The group’s 2007 album, Experience . . . 101, received a Grammy nomination in 2008 for Best Musical Album for Children; their latest release is Go in Grace.
Coming to Chicago Symphony Center
The Symphony Center Presents series continues its season with additional classical, pop and world-music presentations this fall and winter, including “Hallowed Haunts” with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago (Oct. 24), Los Lobos and The Duhks (Nov. 1), Vienna Boys Choir (Nov. 28), Chanticleer (Dec. 7-8), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass (Dec. 17); the BoDeans (January 30); the Swedish Radio Choir (Feb. 23); Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains (March 7); Zakir Hussain and the Masters of Percussion (March 21); Gilberto Gil (April 2); and P.D.Q. Bach with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (May 23).
World music at Symphony Center is sponsored by American Express Company.
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