An Afternoon of Song – 04/23/23

African American Composers, African Diaspora Composers, Engagements, Female Composers, Latin American Music, Recital

Together with acclaimed pianist Dr. Casey Robards, Cherry and her husband, tenor Brian Downen, present a recital of works for voice and piano. The concert at Central Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois, also features Millikin University conductor and professor...

Interview with Maria Thompson Corley

Broadcast, Director, Female Composers, Interview, New Music

As part of a series of events leading up to the world premiere of THE FOX AND THE COOKIE, Cherry Duke sat down with the composer/librettist, Dr. Maria Thompson Corley. This interview was facilitated by The Black El Paso Voice and The El Paso Woman–many...

THE FOX AND THE COOKIE – world premiere – 03/23

African American Composers, Chamber Music, Cross-over, Director, Diversity, Engagements, Female Composers, New Music, Teaching, US Premiere, World Premiere

This semester, Opera UTEP will present the world premiere of an opera for young audiences with words and music by Maria Thompson Corley. THE FOX AND THE COOKIE is a 30-minute work based loosely on Aesop’s Fables. It addresses themes of bullying, forgiveness,...

Song Cycles by African Heritage Composers – 02/24/23

African American Composers, African Diaspora Composers, Conference Presentation, Engagements, Female Composers, Latin American Music, Recital, Special Programs

Cherry presents excerpts from her program Life & Death: Art Songs of African American and African Diaspora Composers at the 3rd Annual Sam Houston State University Art Song Festival. Admission is free; click the “Buy Tickets” link below for virtual...

Radio Broadcast: Life & Death Recital

African American Composers, African Diaspora Composers, Broadcast, Female Composers, Latin American Music, Recital, Special Programs

Listen here LIFE & DEATH: Art songs by African American & African Diaspora composers is a performance by Cherry Duke, accompanied by Esequiel Meza, Jr. on piano. It was recorded by the UTEP Department of Music and produced by KTEP for broadcast. This show...

¡Celebracion! – 10/13/22

African Diaspora Composers, Director, Diversity, Engagements, Female Composers, Latin American Music, Producer, Special Programs

Cherry Duke produces and directs Opera UTEP’s annual Hispanic Heritage concert, with headlining guest artist baritone Levi Hernandez. Additional guest performers include UTEP faculty Oscar Macchioni (piano), Hiram Rodriguez (guitar), as well as Opera...