December 22, 2024

Fisk Jubilee Singers bring traditional spirituals to campus

On Thursday, Nov. 20 the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University in Nashville performed at the Cox Auditorium. The choir sang a number of traditional spirituals including “Listen to the Lambs,” “I Know I’ve Been Changed” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” among many others.

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Fisk Jubilee Singers perform at Cox Auditorium

Fisk Jubilee Singers perform at Cox Auditorium
Fisk Jubilee Singers perform traditional spirituals at Cox Auditorium.

On Thursday, Nov. 20 the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University in Nashville performed at the Cox Auditorium. The choir sang a number of traditional spirituals including “Listen to the Lambs,” “I Know I’ve Been Changed” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” among many others.

In the second part of their performance, A Portrait Comes to Life, a select few choir members return to the stage to perform four more pieces, with the women dressed in 18th century-fashioned dresses, and they gave information about some of the original members of the Fisk Jubilee choir.

Josh Oliver, a UT freshman, has visited Fisk University before and this is his first time seeing them perform live.

“I thought the performance was amazing,” said Oliver. “I knew about the Fisk Jubilee Singers beforehand; I’ve never actually seen them perform live. I’ve actually visited Fisk University and have seen the portrait and have been in the room where they rehearse.”

Dwayne Mitchell, member of the Jubilee Singers, was very pleased with the performance.

“I think the concert went very well,” said Mitchell. “I think the audience was very respectful. I feel like this was one of our best performances. I really do think that we did a great job and thank you guys for having us here.”

Mitchell says that he feels like he didn’t choose Fisk, but rather Fisk chose him.

“One of the main reasons I came to Fisk was the Jubilee Singers, but I feel like they have so much to offer,” said Mitchell. “It’s a liberal arts university, and I feel like it’s very flourishing with different ideas; students from all over get together to create new things. It’s a great school.”

Edited by Jessica Carr