Joyful Abundance: Emerging Artists

Join Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia for an extraordinary afternoon of world premieres. Joyful Abundance features five original choral works, each created through a unique collaboration between an emerging Philadelphia composer and poet, exploring the question "What Now?" as part of the ArtPhilly Festival.

The program brings together readings by each of the winning poets, composers speaking about their music, and the world premiere of their co-created works — performed by the Mendelssohn Chorus under artistic director Dominick DiOrio. These new pieces will be paired with Randall Thompson's beloved Testament of Freedom, which the Chorus has not performed since 1976. Together, they form a powerful dialogue between past and future.

Poets: Kaleb Rae Candrilli, Haley Storm Evans, Naila Francis, Octavia McBride-Ahebee, Amy Beth Sisson, Evan Wang

Composers: Leigha Amick, Ted Babcock, Adelina DiGiamco, Baldwin Giang, Barbara Lewandoski

The Joyful Abundance Emerging Artist Commissioning Award

Launched in 2024, this biannual award included a cash prize and mentorship opportunities with distinguished Philadelphia-area artists:

Mentor Poets: Kaleb Rae Candrilli, Steve Kleinman, Elizabeth Scanlon, Raena Shirali, Kirwyn Sutherland

Mentor Composers: Erin Busch, Dominick DiOrio, Rollo Dillworth, Melissa Dunphy

Use promo code ARTPHILLY at checkout for $10 off your ticket here!