New York Festival of Song to Present ‘My Brother’s Keeper’

By Francisco Salazar

New York Festival of Song, led by Artistic Director Steven Blier, is set to open its mainstage season with “My Brother’s Keeper” on Nov. 19, 2024 at Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center.

Conceived by baritone Justin Austin, the program tells a story of brotherly love, caretaking, and community among Black men in America through art song, soul, gospel, and opera.

“My Brother’s Keeper,” co-artistic directed by Austin, features tenor Joshua Blue, baritone Will Liverman, bass-baritone Joseph Parrish, bass-baritone Alan Williams, baritone Jorell Williams, and tenor Chaz’men Williams-Ali, alongside Steven Blier.

In a statement, Austin said, “It is a profound honor to co-artistic direct My Brother’s Keeper, a poignant celebration of Black men uplifting and inspiring one another toward greatness. I have brought together an extraordinary ensemble of vocalists whom I deeply admire: Jorell Williams, Will Liverman, Joshua Blue, Chaz Williams-Ali, Alan Williams, and Joseph Parrish. Collaborating with Steve Blier and the NYFOS family has been a cherished highlight of my artistic journey for the past nine years. This year, however, holds particular significance, as I am able to bring to life a vision I have literally been dreaming of.”

Austin is the recipient of the 2024 Marian Anderson Vocal Award and has performed at the Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, La Jolla Music Society, Stuttgart Philharmonic, and the New York Festival of Song.

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