"The Lesson of the Lark" - A Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights

featuring the Northwestern Michigan College Choirs and members of the NMC Music Department Faculty

Jeffrey Cobb, Director

The Northwestern Michigan College Music Department, in collaboration with the NMC Audio Tech and Visual Communications programs, is pleased to announce the premiere of “The Lesson of the Lark” – a new concert work celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of Women’s Voting Rights. This piece, which is meant to uplift and unify us during these challenging times, is a multi-movement work composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. The work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz, including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova, Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation. "The Lesson of the Lark," is based on local author Laura Knight Cobb’s recently published book of the same name. The book, written to celebrate this year's 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, is a dramatic interpretation of the struggle for women’s voting rights.

The piece will be presented "virtually" and will feature video performances of over 50 singers and 20 instrumentalists, all combined into one stunning production filled with beautiful music, stunning imagery, and a message of hope and peace. Preceding the premiere will be a pre-concert talk about the writing of the book, the composing of the work, and the behind-the-scenes process of recording and editing all of the individual video performances into a comprehensive multi-media performance.

This event will be offered free to the public thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters of the NMC Music Department. Viewers may make a donation if they so choose here: NMC Music Department donations. 

NOTE: Those who register for the performance will receive a link to view the premiere and pre-premiere talk shortly before the event. The link in the confirmation email is not the event link.

For more information email [email protected]