DENISE
WILLIAMS

Melanatté 

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“Melanin”: a naturally-occurring pigment that is often one of the defining characteristics of Blackness. “Latté”: a creamy beverage, born out of European culture, that is both strong and sweet, and that elicits deep pleasure when consumed. Thus, Melanatté is the hybrid name given to this musical project that combines some of the most famous vocal melodies from the Western European Art Music tradition with the harmonies and rhythms of the African Diaspora.

 

Melanatté takes the undisputed “hits” from the Classical and Romantic music canon and places them in a modern Black context, making them accessible to multiple generations of music lovers, right across the spectrum. Melanatté is the brainchild of Canadian artistic polymath Rhapsodius, who has produced tributes to Quincy Jones and Oscar Peterson, and performed for Nelson Mandela - twice. Rhapsodius creates the musical magic carpet upon which acclaimed Canadian soprano Denise Williams truly soars. Williams, a 30-year veteran of the concert, opera, and theatre stage, has electrified audiences from Canada to Cuba, and many points in between. Moving effortlessly between vocal styles, Denise Williams offers powerfully authentic renditions of the most beloved songs - all in a fresh, sometimes striking new musical context that will have audiences clamouring for more.

 

Melanatté is creamy, caffeinated, Canadian Classical Contemporary Crossover - not Soul Food, but Soul Beverage. Sip - and enjoy!