Later that evening at 8:00 PM, Harmonia and Solaria Players present Stand Tall: Ramsey’s Suffrage Cantata, conducted by Sandra Shafer. Andrea Ramsey’s groundbreaking Suffrage Cantata traces the women’s suffrage movement from its earliest calls for justice to its lasting legacy. Featuring texts from historical figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth, and Mary Church Terrell, the work honors both the triumphs and complexities of the movement, culminating in a powerful call to continue the work of equal rights for all. The program will star spoken-word artist Aretha Rodney McDonald as narrator and soprano Samantha Barnes Daniel. \u201cThis festival is about more than beautiful music, it’s about connection,\u201d said Sandra Shafer, conductor of Harmonia. \u201cWhen we experience these stories together, we’re reminded that the work of building a more just and compassionate world belongs to all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The festival culminates on Tuesday, May 19th at 7:30 PM in Steinmetz Hall with Celebrate 250 Years of the United States, a landmark concert bringing together 250 singers from across Central Florida in a vibrant and reflective tribute to America’s founding ideals. At the heart of the program is Brandon Boyd<\/a>‘s Redeem the Dream, inspired by the Declaration of Independence and Langston Hughes<\/a>‘ Let America Be America Again, alongside Michael Bussewitz-Quarm’s US, a work that draws from voices across American history to explore civic responsibility, democracy, and unity. The concert concludes with beloved patriotic works honoring veterans of every generation, offering audiences a moment both to celebrate and to reflect. Special guest artists include conductor Christine Linschoten, founding associate conductor of the Orlando Sings Symphonic Chorus, who returns to conduct US. Composer Brandon Boyd<\/a> will not only be in attendance, but will also perform at the piano for Redeem the Dream, with acclaimed vocalist Jermaine Manor featured as soloist. The concert will also feature Apollo (Zachary Pecore, conductor), the newest Orlando Sings ensemble, in a special set celebrating the rich tradition of American music. \u201cPart of what makes a festival experience so meaningful is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a larger artistic journey,\u201d said Andrew Minear. \u201cEach concert in the festival offers a distinct perspective, but together they create a deeper and more powerful conversation across history, culture, and the human experience. We invite our fellow Orlandoans to experience all three performances, if they can, and to be part of the vibrant audience community we are building together\u2014bringing devoted choral enthusiasts and first-time concertgoers alike into the shared experience of live music.\u201d<\/p>\n FESTIVAL LINEUP<\/p>\n VOICE AND FLAME featuring Solaria Singers STAND TALL: RAMSEY’S SUFFRAGE CANTATA featuring Harmonia CELEBRATE 250 YEARS OF THE UNITED STATES featuring Orlando Sings Symphonic Chorus, Apollo, Harmonia, & Senior Singers from The Mayflower of Winter Park, along with choruses from Innovation Middle School, Apopka High School, and Edgewater High School \u00a0<\/p>\n \n 2026 Theater Fans’ Choice Awards – Live Stats\n <\/p>\n \n Best New Play – Top 3\n <\/p>\n \n 1. \n 35.3% of votes\n <\/p>\n \n 3. \n 14% of votes\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nMay 16, 2026 4:00 PM | Alexis & Jim Pugh<\/a> Theatre<\/p>\n
\nMay 16, 2026 | 8:00 PM | Alexis & Jim Pugh<\/a> Theater<\/p>\n
\nMay 19, 2026 | 7:30 PM | Steinmetz Hall<\/p>\n
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\n Liberation <\/p>\n
\n Dog Day Afternoon <\/p>\n