Songs of Solomon's award winning choral ensemble is a Harlem based performing company and preparatory program, dedicated to fostering musical excellence. Songs of Solomon, Inc. offers a safe haven for youth ages 13 - 21 of diverse spiritual, artistic and social experiences, in an environment free of prejudice and judgment.

 

The Ensemble was born out of Chantel Renee Wright's personal conviction, that music “is not an ornamental accessory to education” but it serves as a conduit for facilitating self-discovery, self-expression and appreciation of diverse world cultures.

 

Ms. Wright, a world class conductor and educator launched the Ensemble in August 2001, as a vehicle to build a literate youth music community, help young people achieve academic success and enhance their social skills, by exposing them to environments beyond their immediate surroundings.

 

Since realizing her vision she has been committed to impacting her students' lives beyond music. Ms. Wright in recognizing the myriad of hardships Ensemble members are confronted by, has developed innovative music education programs, within a nurturing, yet highly structured environment. Subsequently, Ensemble members are required to participate in civic activities and leadership development training.

 

Ms. Wright's dedication to supporting the artistic and personal development of young musicians in underserved communities during the past six years has, changed the personal fortunes of more than 500 young people, with ninety percent attending college.

 

The Ensemble's alumnae can be found in the halls of the nation's elite universities and music conservatories and are the recipients of prestigious awards such as the New York Times Scholarship and the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship

 

The Ensemble tours nationally and internationally, and performs a challenging repertoire which consists of African American spirituals, anthems, traditional/contemporary gospel, and inspirational music, while simultaneously preserving the integrity of music reflective of the African Diaspora. Songs of Solomon not only embraces musical genres familiar to their experience, but also performs Western European, vocal jazz and multicultural choral music with the same fervor and expertise.

 

The Ensemble's reputation for being spirited and high energy performers has lead to appearances with musical legends such as Jesseye Norman, Elton John, and Gladys Knight and popular music icons Fantasia Barrino and Kelly Clarkson. Each year the Ensemble is invited to perform in high profile events including the 9/11 Commemorative Ground Zero, Governor Elliott Spitzer's Inauguration and the US Open Tennis Tournament and CNN and President Bill Clinton's Town Hall Meeting on AIDS and corporate sponsored Hurricane Katrina fundraisers and African-American History celebrations at St. Patrick's Cathedral.