Soprano Dr. Makeda Hampton Brings Historic African Romances to Carnegie Hall October 3Hampton brings the rarely heard collaboration between composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar to Weill Recital Hall as part of the Bridgetower Project
Makeda Hampton, soprano Hampton appears as a guest artist in the Bridgetower Project, a concert celebrating the legacy of Afro-European violin virtuoso George Bridgetower and illuminating overlooked Black contributions to classical music. For her appearance, Hampton will perform selections from African Romances, the 1897 collaboration between British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and celebrated Black American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar. Hampton's research identifies the work as the earliest published art-song collection by a Black composer set to the words of a Black poet. The music is central to Hampton's work as both an artist and scholar. Her doctoral research examined African Romances and the underrepresentation of Black vocal repertoire, ultimately providing the foundation for her debut solo album of the same name. Hampton is joined by pianist Aurelien Eulert and Zimbabwean musician-scholar Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa on mbira, bringing together African sonic traditions, European art song and Black American poetry. The Carnegie Hall appearance comes as Hampton's debut album, African Romances, is currently part of a GRAMMY® For Your Consideration campaign for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album with first-round voting beginning October 12. Hampton has performed with institutions including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Des Moines Metro Opera. As a soprano, recording artist, scholar and educator, her work centers Black vocal literature and the stories embedded within historically overlooked repertoire. Performance Details Bridgetower Project Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall 881 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY Featuring selections from African Romances, Op. 17 performed by: Makeda Hampton, soprano Aurelien Eulert, piano Tanyaradzwa Tawengwa, mbira For more information about Dr. Makeda Hampton and African Romances, visit MakedaHampton.com. Dr. Hampton is available for select media interviews following her Carnegie Hall performance. For interview requests, press materials or additional information, contact Polished Publicity. End
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