Denisha Ballew, Soprano
Keenan McCarter, Baritone
University of Maine Singers and Oratorio Society
A note from the Maestro: In paying tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our programming was chosen to represent a wide berth of compositional contributions from various corners of the U.S. Pairing Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman with Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man gives us a unique opportunity of reflection across the decades. Valerie Colman’s Umoja (Anthem of Unity) is now a staple in concert halls across the nation, and the New England Triptych by William Schuman takes us on a musical journey to a New England of the not-so-distant past. Our season finale concert culminates in a suite of much-beloved music from George Gershwin’s opera, “Porgy and Bess.”
Program
Joan Tower | Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman
Aaron Copland | Fanfare for the Common Man
Valerie Coleman | Umoja (Anthem of Unity)
William Schuman | New England Triptych
George Gershwin | Porgy and Bess: A Concert of Songs
arr. Robert Russell Bennett
Denisha Ballew, Soprano
Keenan McCarter, Baritone
University of Maine Singers & Oratorio Society
About the Guest Artists:
DENISHA BALLEW, an accomplished and expressive soprano, was a part of the Historic and Grammy award winning production at the Metropolitan Opera; Fire Shut Up in My Bones as Verna, written by Terance Blanchard and lyrics by Kasi Lemmons. She also sang Serena on the 1st National Broadway Tour of Porgy and Bess, directed by Diane Paulus and choreographed by Ron K. Brown. Denisha was one of the Supernatural voices in the Perelman Center performance of WATCH NIGHT, written by Tamar-Kali Brown and directed by Bill T Jones. A huge highlight was performing as a soloist in The Glenn Gould Foundation concert, honoring Jessye Norman in the symposium, “Black Opera: Uncovering Music History”.
Ms. Ballew made her Lincoln Center debut at David Geffen Hall as a soloist in concert with the National Chorale and American Spiritual Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Everett McCorvey. She has also toured with the American Spiritual Ensemble in various cities throughout Spain, France, Ecuador and the United States. Denisha has been seen in the City Encore’s Production of Cabin in the Sky as a soloist, directed by Ruben Santiago Hudson. Ms. Ballew made her Kennedy Center premiere in Joseph Baber’s River of Time (Eliza). Other opera performances include: First Lady in Mozart’s Magic Flute (Nashville Opera), Eliza in the premiere of River of Time Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, TRUTH (cover) written by Paula Kimper highlighting the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth (Opera America. Denisha has sung in the annual concert series with The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing sacred works by Rossini.
Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, KEENAN MCCARTER is a dynamic and spirited baritone who passionately brings music to life. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Alabama State University and a Master of Music from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Keenan made his operatic debut in 2012 with the Southern Illinois Summer Music Festival as the Duke of Verona in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette. He has since performed with esteemed ensembles, including the New York Pops, Cleveland Symphony, Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Opera in the Neighborhoods. He has earned recognition in competitions such as the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Opera Idol of Chicago, and The Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges.
In addition to his concert and operatic work, Keenan has made a mark in musical theatre. He has performed in The Color Purple, Ragtime, and Hair at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, as well as Shout Sister Shout Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
For over 12 years, Keenan served as a musical ambassador with the U.S. Army Field Band and the U.S. Army Chorus, using his voice to connect with audiences across the country and support diplomatic efforts worldwide. He takes pride in telling the stories of those who have served through the power of music.
Tonight marks Keenan’s debut with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, an exciting milestone in his ever-evolving career.
TICKETS:
This is currently sold as part of a 2025-2026 Season Subscription Package.
Single tickets go on sale August 7, 2025.
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