When the Caged Bird Sings:
A Musical Ceremony
Words and Music by Nkeiru Okoye
"A resplendent celebration of triumph in the face of adversity.”
- Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra-
OVERVIEW
When the Caged Bird Sings began as “a gathering”—a communal ritual for healing and hope. Today, it stands as a choral-orchestral drama that fuses the sound world of the Black church with concert traditions, weaving gospel, spirituals, and symphonic textures into a transformative narrative. Inspired in part by the spirit of Maya Angelou. The world premiere recording will be released by Naxos Records during the 2025–2026 season, marking a milestone for this work and its message of faith, community, and renewal.
COMPOSER'S NOTE
"I envisioned this work as a ceremony—a space where music becomes a balm and a beacon. It is a call to gather, to witness, and to rise. Every phrase carries the weight of history and the promise of transformation."
DEDICATION
This album honors the memory of Jubilant Sykes (1960–2025), whose extraordinary performance as the Father in the world premiere brought profound depth and humanity to this work.
At a Glance
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Duration: ~75 minutes
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Forces: Narrator; 4 Soloists (Soprano, Jazz Mezzo, Tenor, Baritone); SATB Chamber Choir of singing actors, portraying congregants in African American Church (10–12 professional singers); SATB Mass Choir; Full Orchestra
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Instrumentation: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes (2nd doubles English Horn), 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, 3 Percussion, Harp, Piano, Strings
SYNOPSIS
When the Caged Bird Sings is a musical ceremony that evokes the spirit of an African American Protestant worship service, with the drama of opera woven through its fabric. At its center is Cerise, a modern Black heroine whose journey is not defined by tragedy, but by resilience, grace, and self-discovery.
Across five parts, the work moves through prayers, affirmations, and songs of praise, interwoven with operatic solos that give voice to a family and a community: a mother’s prayer (You Gave Me a Baby Girl), a father’s lament (I Thought This Life Would Protect Us), a guidance counselor’s plea (It Takes a Village), and Cerise’s own song of redemption (You Sheltered Me).
Through gospel-infused choruses, soaring solos, and symphonic textures, the piece blossoms from quiet reflection into communal celebration, culminating in transformation—a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. More than a concert work, When the Caged Bird Sings is a call to gather, to heal, and to rejoice—a testament to faith, community, and the power of rising above.
“Joyfully danced from gospel to operatic solos… transported listeners to a dreamlike space.”
— Tristan McKay, I Care if You Listen —
FEATURED EXCERPTS
"The Beatitudes"
Movement from Part I: Gather Together in My Name
A luminous invocation inspired by Maya Angelou’s love of scripture. Performed by EXIGENCE Vocal Ensemble and University of Michigan Choirs.
"Sometimes Life Gets Ugly"
Movement from Part II: Now Sheba Sings the Song
The emotional crux of the drama—a searing choral lament that voices the inner dialogue of Black women facing systemic bias. Featured in PBS: Du Bois – Rebel with a Cause.
"I Thought This Life Would Protect Us"
Movement from Part III: And Still I Rise
Jubilant Sykes’ poignant aria as the Father—a lament for promises broken and dreams deferred.
In loving memory of Jubilant Sykes (1960–2025), whose artistry and spirit inspired this aria.
"You Sheltered Me"
Movement from Part V: A Song Flung Up to Heaven
Cerise’s song of redemption and grace—a soaring affirmation of faith and resilience that closes the arc of transformation. Performed by Grammy Nominated Jazz vocalist, Christie Dashiell.
PREMIERE
Commissioned by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance through its Michigan Orchestra Repertoire for Equity initiative, When the Caged Bird Sings premiered at Hill Auditorium on February 10, 2024, with a distinguished cast led by Rita Coburn, Angela Brown, Christie Dashiell, Issachah Savage, Jubilant Sykes, and Cyrus Chestnut.
BOOKING & SCORES
Inquiries: Email
Scores & Parts: rentals@presser.com
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company
TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
Choir Requirements:
Mass Choir: SATB, ideally minimum 30% African American voices
Chamber Choir: 10–12 professional opera singers (African American)
Special Notes:
Gospel pianist improvisation sections, and performs standard notation
Optional supplemental gospel choir
Score Availability: Full score, piano-vocal reduction, choral parts via Theodore Presser
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Pre- and Post-Concert Talks
Dr. Nkeiru Okoye and Dr. Eugene Rogers offer interactive talks that frame the work’s cultural and musical context, fostering dialogue and audience engagement.
Workshops & Consulting
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Culturally Aware Producing: Getting to When the Caged Bird Sings
For producers and stakeholders: strategies for assembling the creative team, casting, and specialized marketing to increase African American attendance.
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Culturally Informed Interpretation
For conductor, director, cast, choir, and musicians:-
Part 1: How do I talk about… that?
Builds confidence in addressing cultural aspects of the production. -
Part 2: The Three “P”s: Performance Practice and Pronunciation
Coaching on African American musical subgenres within the score, superimposed on Western concert traditions—dramatically improving authenticity and impact.
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