Mamadêlê Foundation's various programs

Spotlight On: Mamadêlê Foundation

Photos feature Mamadêlê Foundation’s educational and performance programming at Lincoln High School, Carnell Elementary School, and the performance group Recycled Sounds. Pulled from reports written by Leslie Macêdo, organized by Abby Rolland* As part of The Presser Foundation’s efforts to be more transparent and to amplify the work of its partners, it uses information from…

Chester Children's Chorus

Chester Children’s Chorus: Winter Wonder

By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow  On Saturday, December 14th, I treated myself to a scenic drive through the picturesque Swarthmore suburbs to attend one of the two Winter Concerts presented by the Chester Children’s Chorus (CCC). Upon arriving at the beautiful Swarthmore College campus, I followed a winding walking path adorned with stunning architecture…

Paul Robeson House

Paul Robeson House: Preserving a Legacy of Music, Activism, and Community in West Philadelphia

The multitalented Paul Robeson excelled as a vocalist, civil rights advocate, performer on stage and screen, and professional football player. Several years ago, the renovation of Robeson’s Philadelphia residence, where he spent his final decade, received seed funding through a grant from The Presser Foundation. Though historic home restoration falls outside the Foundation’s usual scope,…

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey programming

Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey: Inspiring a community through classical music

Image: Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey educational programming (top) and community concert (bottom) By Jill Aguayo, Executive Director, Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey For the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ), classical music is more than a performance—it’s a mission to revitalize and uplift the Trenton community, our home. As one of the few orchestras…

Quincy Jones

Thank you, Q.

By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow  Monday, November 4th, 2024, before dawn. Due to my PhD study habits, I often fall asleep on the couch. The alarm on my cell phone unceremoniously brought me out of my slumber on my living room couch. During these early hours of the morning, I often meander through social…

Bent But Not Broken

EVA’s Bent, But Not Broken Conference

By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow  Encouraging. Inspiring. Liberating. Thought-provoking. My heart is full…You had to be there. If The Presser Foundation allowed it, this review of the Elevate Vocal Arts’ (EVA) Bent, But Not Broken (BBNB) Conference would be as short as the preceding statement. Alas, this transformative conference deserves a more robust description.…

Elevation choir

Elevation performs at Abington Presbyterian Church

By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow  On October 6th, the esteemed vocal ensemble Elevation, part of the Elevate Vocal Arts organization, graced the stage at Abington Presbyterian Church (PA) as part of the Music At Abington Concert Series. This free concert showcased Elevation, Delaware’s sole professional vocal ensemble, leveraging its extraordinary vocal prowess to deliver…

Greater South Jersey Chorus

Greater South Jersey Chorus – Untraveled Worlds: Landscapes From Within

By Daniel Jackson, Graduate Music Fellow  On Sunday, October 27th, the Greater South Jersey Chorus and Chamber Singers, under the baton of Artistic Director Dr. Christopher Thomas and conductor Art McKenzie, captivated their audience with a beautifully curated program titled Untraveled Worlds: Landscapes From Within. Set against the evocative backdrop of the historic Scottish Rite…