UMES choir to salute Harriet Tubman, Ella Fitzgerald

The UMES Concert Choir will be celebrating two iconic women of history and culture at its April 2 performance.

The performance is dedicated to Harriet Tubman and Ella Fitzgerald, and showcases jazz and the importance of their cultural contributions.

With the recent opening of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center near Cambridge and the upcoming celebration of Fitzgerald’s centennial birthday, the concert is spotlighting the two women.

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“Although the nature of their achievements differed, music was a common denominator in their success,” said Sheila McDonald Harleston, associate professor of music and director of choral activities at UMES. “Tubman, known as the ‘Moses of her people,’ used the words of Negro spirituals as codes in guiding slaves to freedom and Fitzgerald, known as the ‘Queen of Scat,’ was a pioneer among black female vocalists, especially jazz artists.”

The concert will take place in the Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, appropriately named after the famous singer. In 1974, Fitzgerald attended the opening of the building.

The performance will also feature the newest soprano of the UMES music faculty, Devonna Rowe.

If you go

WHAT: UMES Concert Choir performance

WHEN: April 2 at 4 p.m.

WHERE: Ella Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center at UMES

COST: Admission is free