I, Too, Sing America

I, Too, Sing America

Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 4:00PM

Join Berkeley Symphony for a chamber concert inspired by the words of American poet Langston Hughes and curated by James Parrish Smith, Berkeley Symphony board member and professional organist. This program brings together Brian Raphael Nabors' String Quartet, Anna Clyne's Breathing Statues, and Antonín Dvořák beloved "American" Quartet -- three works that reflect distinct connections to the American experience. From Nabors' contemporary voice shaped by the richness of the African diaspora, to Clyne's creative life in the United States, to Dvořák's time in America -- where he was profoundly influenced by the sounds of this country, especially the spiritual, a uniquely American art form birthed from the resilience and faith of African Americans -- this concert offers a powerful musical reflection on identity, influence, and belonging, echoing Hughes' enduring declaration: "I, too, sing America."

Musicians

Emanuela Nikiforova, violin
Erica Ward, violin
Christy Simpson, viola
Robert Howard, cello

About the Artists

James Parrish Smith

James Parrish Smith serves as the Director of Music and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Dillard University and the Master of Music from Samford University. He served as Director of Music and Organist at the Historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco and was the Founding Director of the Bridge to Arts and Music Program in association with the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. James Parrish Smith is past Dean of the San Francisco Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) and served as the chair of the Worship Committee for the 2024 National Convention of the AGO held in San Francisco. He currently serves on the board of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.

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