Echoes of Excellence

November 08. 2025

Saturday
11/08/2025
7:30 PM

Tickets

Starting at $49

November 08. 2025

Tickets

Celebrating the Legacy of Chicago’s Black Voices Echoes of Excellence

Experience a one-night-only recital showcasing world-renowned Black artists and members of the Black Leadership Arts Collective (B.L.A.C.). This powerful evening honors generations of vocal brilliance with performances from popular opera composers including Puccini, Verdi, Bellini, Massenet and Bizet, offered in tribute to legendary Black artists who have appeared on Lyric's stage, from Leontyne Price and Grace Bumbry, to Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, and more. The program will also feature spirituals and songs by some of America's most acclaimed Black composers. Don't miss this uplifting celebration of artistry and legacy.

This 75-minute mainstage recital will be followed by a Gala reception at Lyric to support B.L.A.C.’s scholarship and mentorship programs. See below for more information and for the exciting lineup of artists for this event!

  • Running Time: 75 minutes with no intermission
  • Location: Lyric Opera House
  • In collaboration with: Black Leadership Arts Collective

Hosted by Black Leadership Arts Collective

Echoes of Excellence Gala Post-Concert Reception

Echoes of Excellence Gala Post-Concert Reception

The Black Leadership Arts Collective (B.L.A.C.) is hosting an exciting post-concert fundraising Gala reception at Lyric Opera of Chicago following the Echoes of Excellence recital. Join B.L.A.C. artists and supporters at Lyric’s beautiful William B. and Catherine Graham Room for a chance to mix and mingle with the recital artists and fellow music lovers in the afterglow of the evening’s performance. You’ll enjoy cocktails, an array of delicious passed hors d'oeuvres, and a dessert and coffee bar, all while learning more about and providing support for B.L.A.C.’s scholarship and mentorship programs. It’s the perfect end to an evening of exquisite artistry! Tickets for the Gala reception are purchased separately from your recital ticket/s and are $125, inclusive of all fees, with a $25 tax-deductible portion which will be acknowledged through receipt from B.L.A.C. 

B.L.A.C. is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting and empowering Black vocal artists through leadership, mentorship, education, and by providing scholarship and performance opportunities. To learn more, visit blackleadershipartscollective.org. 

Please note: Contact information for those who purchase the Echoes of Excellence recital and/or Gala event will be shared with Black Leadership Arts Collective as a presenting partner. 

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Artists

  • Angela Brown

    Angela Brown

    Soprano

  • Alyson Cambridge

    Alyson Cambridge

    Soprano

  • Jacqueline Echols

    Jacqueline Echols

    Soprano

  • Laquita Mitchell

    Laquita Mitchell

    Soprano

  • Lucia Bradford

    Lucia Bradford

    Mezzo-soprano

  • Limmie Pulliam

    Limmie Pulliam

    Tenor

  • Issachah Savage

    Issachah Savage

    Tenor

  • Chaz’men Williams-Ali

    Chaz’men Williams-Ali

    Tenor

  • Lester Lynch

    Lester Lynch

    Baritone

  • Kenneth Overton

    Kenneth Overton

    Baritone

  • Reginald Smith, Jr.

    Reginald Smith, Jr.

    Baritone

  • Kevin Short

    Kevin Short

    Bass

  • Kevin Miller

    Kevin Miller

    Pianist