Margaret Bonds completed the piano-vocal version of Credo in 1965 and premiered this version in Washington D.C. at Georgetown University in 1967. In Credo, Bonds masterfully sets a challenging prose text with a richness in harmony and forceful declamation that incorporates idioms of black folk music alongside classical forms. Bonds’ stunning use of harsh dissonances juxtaposed against jazz-inspired melodies help to embody the vision of racial justice and hope found within W.E.B. Du Bois’ 1904 civil rights manifesto.

Excerpt from a live performance on October 15, 2023
Voce Chamber Singers
Vienna, VA

Neil Weston, keyboard artist
David Mann, conductor

Naveed Easton (Blobfish Media), Audio and Video Production
Benjamin Stancik (Camera Works by Benjamin), Video Production