LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington Chamber Chorale teamed up with Kentucky State University Choir to sing a message of unity during Black History Month. Both choirs say they’ve been meaning to do something like this for the last couple of years.  

Lexington Chamber Chorale and Kentucky State University joined forces for unity during a joint concert to celebrate Black History Month at Second Presbyterian Church Sunday evening. The choirs also joined to sing about the celebration and future recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The combined choirs sang “We Walk in Love” by Deanna Witkowski, “Woven Together” by Jacob J. Narverud.

“I’ve been wanting to do this collaborative concert for sometime, in fact, it was scheduled twice, two years and then last year but of course we couldn’t and now we’re doing it so it’s exciting,” said Anderson.

Kentucky State University Choir member sings a solo at "Unity Through Music" concert. (Spectrum News 1/Diamond Palmer)

Anderson led off the concert with the Lexington Chamber Chorale. It’s something he’s done for 31 years, started because of the lack of singing ensembles in Lexington. He chose selections that reflect, celebrate Black history like “Gospel Mass” by Robert Ray for the second concert during the pandemic.

“But we are also singing some pieces about the pandemic and about the recovery from, slow recovery from,” said Anderson.

Lloyd Mallory, director of vocal choral studies at Kentucky State University, took over the second part of the concert, singing hymns like “Let’s Build a Bridge” by Evelyn Simpson Curenton. Mallory says his selections are pieces his students can call on in difficult times.

“I have a lot of students that have various hardships that are not the same as those that might go to another institution,” said Mallory.

Kentucky State University Choir member glances down at music and sings at ‘Unity Through Music’ concert. (Spectrum News 1/Diamond Palmer)

Mallory’s students attend one of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in Kentucky and says joint concerts like this encourage unity. 

“I hope we can build upon this and that it’s not just for just a concert but that we will exhibit this kind of support, happiness, love during the week,” said Mallory.

Mallory says he looks forward to when the choir can go on tours to sing again.