We are excited to announce the release of the brand new, original musical adaptation of the acclaimed children’s book “Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills” by Renée Watson with illustrations by Christian Robinson.  The incredible story has been set to music of Scott Joplin and H.T. Burleigh is narrated and sung by Operatic Coloratura Soprano Diana Thompson-Brewer along with CMC’s violinist Jenny Weiss, violist Ben Weiss, cellist Timothy O’Malley and pianist Irina Pevzner.

This special performance is available to view on demand between April 19 and May 3, 2021.  Digital tickets are only $5, but we are pleased to be able to offer complimentary tickets upon request.  Click on the button below to secure your ticket!

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
Adapted by Sandra Nikolajevs for Chamber Music Charleston
From the book by Renée Watson, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Published by Random House Children’s Books

Introducing Renée Watson

When we stumbled upon the story “Harlem’s Little Blackbird” we knew that we had found a gem.  When we learned more about the author of this incredible book, Renée Watson, we had no doubts that we had found the perfect story – with the perfect message – to set to music.

Renée Watson is more than a New York Times bestselling author – she is an educator, and advocate.  We encourage you to view the video below to she how engaging she is when she interacts with a class of 2nd graders at the Library of Congress.

Author Renée Watson. 2014. Video. https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-7133/.