HEAR US, HEAR THEM — A new ensemble with a mission of inclusion launches in Cincinnati

Hear Us, Hear Them is a Black-led, Cincinnati-based ensemble dedicated to performing, engaging with, and inspiring all identities of artistry. After connecting during a discussion around the appropriateness and representation of the current canonical composers, Co-Founders and current University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) students Jaime Sharp and Harry Mathurin-Cecil saw a need for a performance group that not only includes repertoire by all composers, but strives to normalize these works in the standard canon. 

The mission of Hear Us, Hear Them is threefold:

Perform — Composed of 20 volunteer singers, the ensemble aims to perform the music of all identities, taking inclusive programming beyond just one or two pieces on a majority Euro-centric concert. It is central to their mission of extending beyond base inclusion into real canonical change. This includes an emphasis on compositions by BIPOC, woman-identifying persons, Latinx/e, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities.

Engage — They will host a series of forums to discuss important topics surrounding the repertoire that is being performed. These Beyond the Score: Community Conversations will invite local Cincinnati artists and organizations to participate in conversations that allow the performers and audiences to learn about and engage with the composers and music in a new and personal way. Events will be open to the public free of charge.

Inspire — Hear Us, Hear Them will offer a series of workshops for high school students in Cincinnati, called Be Heard: The Future of Music. These events are intended to give young people thinking of an educational or professional career in classical music exposure to representation of Black leadership, inclusive programming, and access to the tools that they will need to not only navigate, but impact this ever-changing world. 

Hear Us, Hear Them will premiere their inaugural concert, “We Are the Storm” on Sunday, July 11 at 5pm ET. It will be streamed on the organization’s YouTube channel (@hearushearthem) and will remain accessible until Sunday, July 25. This performance features music by composers Jasmine Barnes, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate and Robert T. Gibson, among others. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $15. 

For more information about Hear Us, Hear Them including ways to support, visit www.hearushearthem.org.

About Jaime Sharp 

Mezzo-Soprano Jaime Sharp is an active performer and administrator focused on developing welcoming and inclusive spaces for artists. She was one of three candidates selected for the Opera Leaders of Color inaugural cohort with Opera America, where she will be mentored by some of the top BIPOC opera administrators in the country. Jaime is also the President and General Director of Opera NexGen, and the Administrative Assistant for the Black Opera Alliance. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Vocal Performance at CCM where she serves as a Graduate Assistant and Vice President of the Graduate Student Association. Jaime holds a Bachelors from the University of Michigan. For more information visit www.jaime-sharp.com

About Harry Mathurin-Cecil

A music educator of nearly 13 years, Harry Mathurin-Cecil is an advocate for equity practices both in the classroom and in music programming. He has presented on the preservation and performance practice of African American music at local and regional conferences including the Southwest Region American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Choral Directors Association, Missouri Statewide Collegiate Gospel Conference, and the Missouri Music Educators Association. Harry was an assistant conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus with Kevin McBeth, and just completed service as the Choral Conducting Fellow of the historic May Festival Chorus led by Robert Porco. He holds a Masters from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Bachelors from Truman State University. Harry is currently pursuing a DMA in Choral Conducting from CCM.