L-R Ian Michael, Tony Domino, Elise Miller & Rachel Kobernick in Lift Ev’ry Voice, Celebrating Black Composers – Photo by Ray Lyman. Used with permission.
The Indianapolis Opera Resident Artists captivated audiences during a recital titled Lift Ev’ry Voice, Celebrating Black Composers at the Basile Opera Center on Saturday. As I listened to the vocal performances of bass/baritone Tony Domino, soprano Rachel Kobernick, tenor Ian Michael, and mezzo-soprano Elise Miller, I felt confident that the future of opera is in exceptionally capable hands. The remarkable caliber of these singers made it clear that we were witnessing the rise of four promising opera stars.
L-R Yihao Zhou & Rachel Kobernick in Lift Ev’ry Voice, Celebrating Black Composers – Photo by Ray Lyman. Used with permission.
The singers, accompanied by New York City-based pianist Yihao Zhou, presented a program featuring spirituals and art music arranged or composed by both past and present Black composers in honor of Black History Month. The recital took place in the former Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church sanctuary, where the impressive acoustics enhanced the concert’s impact, making it even more memorable for the moderately sized but attentive audience.
Most selections in the program reflected the Black Experience, encompassing themes of slavery, brutality, and persecution, yet also hope, strength, and resiliency. The concert delivered a moving expression of melancholy and sadness, but it also celebrated joy and triumph, powerfully conveying the emotional journey of those who lived through such experiences.
L-R Yihao Zhou & Tony Domino in Lift Ev’ry Voice Celebrating Black Composers, – Photo by Ray Lyman. Used with permission.
The hour-long concert comprised twelve distinctive compositions, allowing each vocalist and pianist Zhou to display their exceptional technique and artistry. Standout performances included Ian Michael’s rendition of Deep River by Moses Hogan; Elise Miller’s moving interpretation of Nightsongs by H. Leslie Allen; Tony Domino’s performance of Three Dream Portraits by Margaret Bonds; and Rachel Kobernick’s stunning delivery of City Called Heaven arranged by Norah Duncan IV. The quartet closed the program with an impressive harmony in Fix Me Jesus arranged by Stacey Gibbs.
Opera has a history of featuring Black singers, some of whom have achieved superstar status and drawn passionate fans to the genre. Even as racial division persists, it is encouraging to witness the Indianapolis Opera’s commitment to inclusiveness and equality. The organization’s thoughtful hiring and programming choices demonstrate that celebrating Black History Month is more than a superficial gesture—it is a testament to the belief that artistic excellence transcends color.
For tickets and information about the Indianapolis Opera 2026 Season visit indyopera.org
