The Harvard Glee Club and the Fisk Jubilee Singers are two of the oldest collegiate choral groups in the United States, founded in 1858 and 1871, respectively. Despite existing for more than 150 years, the two clubs had never shared a stage until a recent collaborative performance.
“These are two of the oldest choirs in the United States, and two choirs that, I think it’s safe to say, have a bit of historical significance, but they’ve never performed together,” said Andrew Clark, director of choral activities and senior lecturer on music at Harvard. “This has always seemed like an omission, or an opportunity that was worth exploring.”
In March, the student groups gathered for a two-day event on Fisk University’s campus in Nashville. During the visit, the choirs each got the chance to work under the other ensemble’s conductor. They then performed individual programs and two numbers together at Nashville’s Spero Dei Church.
G. Preston Wilson Jr., assistant professor of music at Fisk and director of the Jubilee Singers emphasized the value of his group’s collaboration with the Harvard Glee Club.
“I just want to make sure the people know who the Jubilee Singers are in perpetuity — not just because you read about it in a book,” said Dr. Wilson. “Come to our concert, visit our campus, take a tour of our campus, and learn about just how wonderful Fisk is and the Jubilee Singers are. Doing this collaboration with Harvard helps that cause.”
In the future, Clark and Wilson plan to host a second event, inviting the Jubilee Singers to the Harvard campus for another collaborative performance.
