Sankofa Choral Festival
About the Event
Join us for two uplifting concerts celebrating racial justice!
The weekend starts with a breathtaking performance by Tonality, a two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning choral ensemble based in Los Angeles. Their performance is followed by our Sankofa Celebration Concert, featuring FUMCSD’s Masterwork Chorale and Chancel Choir and conducted by Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake.
All proceeds from the concert support FUMCSD’s Racial Justice Ministry, as we pursue repentance, justice, and reconciliation and commit to a new way of being. Proceeds will help commission a special piece of sacred art for our Sanctuary celebrating the Imago Dei—the image of God—in the beautiful diversity of humanity.
CONCERT DETAILS:
Tonality: Saturday, November 7 at 4 p.m. in FUMCSD Sanctuary
Tonality, the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning choral ensemble from Los Angeles, brings America Will Be to First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
Under the direction of founder Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake, 16 Tonality vocalists, joined by instrumentalists and soloists, present a program that asks what America owes its people and what it can still become. At its center is "Running From, Running To: A Musical Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery," co-written by Blake and Ogi. The work premiered at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in 2025 and appears on Tonality’s album "Songs of Remembering" (Bright Shiny Things, 2026).
For ten years, Tonality has used music to tell stories that call people toward each other and toward action. This concert carries that work to San Diego for one night.
Sankofa Celebration Concert: Sunday, November 8 at 4 p.m. in FUMCSD Sanctuary
This inspiring program features music by Black Composers and is conducted by Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake, Founding Artistic Director of Tonality. Come listen to the talented Masterwork Chorale and Chancel Choir and then enjoy a special reception in Linder Lounge, celebrating the work of the Sankofa Pilgrims.
Visit: https://www.fumcsd.org/ministries/cultural-events-music-series/
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First United Methodist Church of San Diego
First United Methodist Church of San Diego
We are a local congregation of the The United Methodist Church, which has more than 11.4 million members worldwide Since 1869, First Church has been doing the mission and ministry of the Church in San Diego, serving generations of individuals and families. As a church, our vision is to help the Kingdom of God grow. In community, we help people experience the love of God in Jesus Christ and make a difference in the world by sharing God's love.
