BLAC
Resources and Support
Black Leadership Arts Collective
is pleased to share a list of resources and other organizations aligned with BLAC's mission. Have something you'd like to add as a resource? Feel free to send it our way!
George Shirley Vocal Competition
The George Shirley Vocal Competition: African American Vocal Repertoire (GSVC) is an annual competition held at the University of Michigan. The competition offers singers and composers the opportunity to work with and receive feedback from world-renowned judges, including George Shirley. More than $48,000 in prizes are awarded annually, including BLAC-sponsored prizes. The competition is open to singers ages 14-35 of all races and ethnicities and composers ages 18-35.
American Spiritual Ensemble
The American Spiritual Ensemble is a critically-acclaimed professional group composed of some of the finest singers in the classical music world. The vocalists have thrilled audiences around the world with their dynamic renditions of classic spirituals and Broadway numbers.
William Warfield Scholarship Fund
The William Warfield Scholarship Fund is dedicated to providing financial support and encouragement for African American students to attain success in the field of classical vocal music; and, fostering wider recognition of the life and legacy of William Warfield. Recognizing the scarcity of resources (e.g., connections or preparation for scholarships) available in the United States to advance African American classical vocal students with limited financial means, the Board of Directors has initiated several programs to help address this.
Videmus
Videmus is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to the promotion of concert works by African American, women and under-presented composers. Our vision is to provide access to marginalized composers through educational programming, performance opportunities, and scholarly research. We provide a vital service to our field by collaborating with other organizations to strengthen the diverse perspectives within our industry.
NAACP Act-So
The NAACP's ACT-SO Program is proud to present the Unified & Unlimited Virtual Masterclass Series — a dynamic collection of sessions designed to inspire, equip, and elevate the next generation of leaders, creators, and innovators. Select the masterclasses you'd like to attend, and we'll send your personalized session links directly to you.
The Sphinx Organization
The Sphinx Organization is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Our four program areas—Education & Access, Artist Development, Performing Artists, and Arts Leadership—form a pipeline that develops and supports representation and excellence in classical music at every level: creative youth development, artist empowerment, career advancement, administrative leadership, and service to the field.
Gateways Music Festival
Gateways Music Festival celebrates Black artistry in classical music and inspires communities through the power of performance. For more than thirty years, Gateways has created opportunities for Black classical artists to gather, connect, and perform at the highest artistic level—creating programming for all backgrounds uniquely infused with occasion and excellence.
The Living Heritage Foundation
The Living Heritage Foundation (LHF) is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation with a unique mission. Through fiscal sponsorship, special projects, mentoring, and grant-giving, LHF advances the careers of accomplished arts and media professionals who have taken time to enrich our programming by presenting works by or about African Americans or women of note - topics so often underserved.
Classical Vocal Reprints
Meet Classical Vocal Reprints, ClarNan Editions and Recital Publications - the only source for printed music that you’ll ever need for classical vocal or instrumental music. Serving the music community since 1974. Print music specialists for Art Song, Oratorio, Opera, Choral, Musical Theatre scores and Music by Women Composers.
Opera America
OPERA America leads and serves the entire opera community, supporting the creation, presentation, and enjoyment of opera. Founded in 1970, OPERA America has a membership that includes nearly 600 opera companies, educational institutions, affiliated businesses, and other entities. More than 40,000 staff members, artists, and trustees at these organizations join nearly 3,000 individual members in empowering us as the national champion for opera.
