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When determining a name for the ensemble I wanted instead to honour, with the name, Canadian African musical heritage. I was inspired by the life and work of R. Nathaniel Dett in general and in particular, by his essay The Emancipation of Negro Music, for which he won the James Bowdoin literary prize from Harvard University in 1920. I am again indebted to Margaret Leask for first bringing Dr. Dett to my attention, and to the biographical work of Vivian Flagg McBrier - R. Nathaniel Dett: His Life and Works (1882-1943), and Anne Key Simpson - Follow Me: The Life and Music of R. Nathaniel Dett for expanding my awareness. With the acquisition of this information, it was an easy step to make Nathaniel Dett the ensemble's namesake. Visit the chorale's
web site. Brainerd Blyden-Taylor is the Founder/Artistic Director and Conductor of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, a new Canadian professional chamber choir, which began in 1998 and is dedicated to the creation and performance of Afrocentric music of all styles (incl.: classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz and blues). He was inspired by African-Canadian composer R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943), a prominent figure among early 20th century Black musicians who promoted an awareness of their heritage through composing new works, exploring new musical forms, and fostering an appreciation of existing spirituals and folk songs. Members of the Choir
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