(Credit: Simon Pauly)

On May 8 and 9, 2021, The Atlanta Opera and Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company will present the Concert for Unity, an event celebrating Atlanta’s diversity through music.

The concert is created and led by renowned bass Morris Robinson and will feature performances of spirituals, gospel, rock, and opera, by noted Black singers, as well as a spoken word performance by actor Enoch King.

The May 8 performance will be held at The Atlanta Opera’s Big Tent on the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center’s grounds. The May 9 performance comes as a special, outdoors Mother’s Day concert on the Southwest Arts Center’s grounds, presented by the City of South Fulton Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.

Among the artists are Jasmine Habersham, Ronnita Miller, and Joshua Conyers; prominent Gospel artist Damien Sneed will accompany them.

There will also be a virtual panel discussion on May 6, titled “Black Voices in Classical Music: A Conversation About Access.” Part of True Colors’ Community Conversations series, the discussion features Robinson and historian Dr. Maurice Wheeler, focusing on the challenges of access for emerging Black opera singers.

“Every day, we work to celebrate the rich traditions of Black storytelling, while giving voice to bold artists from all cultures,” said Brandall C. Jones, Connectivity Director for True Colors Theatre Company. “The threads that run through traditional music also run through classical music. We’re excited to create programs with The Atlanta Opera that tie those threads together with bold voices.”