Nkeiru Okoye’s When the Caged Bird Sings is a ‘musical celebration’ whose compositional voice, though rooted in the African American church, also embraces minimalism and improvisational elements. Delivering a message of adversity turned to triumph, it celebrates the transformative ability of African American women, partly evoking the experiences of the author and activist Maya Angelou. The work functions as a communal ritual that, like oratorio, opera, and theatre, brings together vocal soloists, chorus, and orchestra in an experience that both commemorates and celebrates hope and possibility.

Tracklist:

1. When the Caged Bird Sings~Part I: Gather Together in My Name. Who am I supposed to be?
2. When the Caged Bird Sings~Part I: Gather Together in My Name. Devotions
3. When the Caged Bird Sings~Part I: Gather Together in My Name. Shine your light upon us
4. When the Caged Bird Sings~Part I: Gather Togethe