Harlem Collective is a Resident artist program for emerging African-American opera singers. We bridge the gap between college and career. In pursuit of their dreams, we keep our artists inspired and motivated with content to assist them in this goal. Through this, we not only encourage our artists but our audience as well.
Our content consists of inspirational OnDemand and Podcast programming highlighting the best in Harlem travel, cuisine, entertainment, and life improvement content designed with you in mind. Our website provides the most interactive way to enjoy Harlem Collective, and our artists.
Our 2025 season provides opportunities for our Resident Artists & Apprentice Artists under the new slogan “Get inspired, go to the opera!”. While offering an opportunity for adult men and women in our Collective Chorale, our community choir, and underprivileged youth 13-17 black & brown boys of Harlem united under one voice in the Harlem Boys Choir. We minister to the sick through our Music Therapy outreach to Harlem Hospitals, where our artists share soothing classical tones of the Harlem Renaissance that ease wounded hearts and souls. We unite four African American churches to support our choral programs here; they support us during Black History Month, the Fourth of July, & Christmas.
Our Resident Artists and Apprentice Artists are provided with a yearly stipend to participate in our programming and give these emerging African-American opera singers an opportunity to hone their craft. Throughout the two-year program, our artists are provided with the experience and the tools and resources that are needed to pursue a career as a classical singer.
Harlem Boys Choir empowers underprivileged youth by providing them with a platform to express themselves through music. Participation in the Harlem Boys Choir helps them develop confidence, discipline, self-control, and a sense of belonging. This transformative experience not only nurtures their musical talents but also opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth and development.
Joining the Collective Chorale offers members a chance to be part of a vibrant musical community that shares a passion for singing. Participants can develop their vocal skills, gain performance experience, and contribute to the success of our operatic and concert productions. Additionally, being part of the chorale fosters friendships and a sense of camaraderie among individuals who share a love for music.
Engaging in the works of African-American poets from the Harlem Renaissance allows students to gain a deeper understanding of historical and cultural contexts. Poetry helps to develop critical thinking and analytical skills as students interpret themes and language. Moreover, it fosters empathy and personal connection by encouraging students to reflect on diverse perspectives and experiences. They learn the top dances of the time, the fashions, and how African American composer William Grant Still transformed the poetic works of the aforementioned iconic poets into a classical song cycle entitled “Songs of Separation.”
Our Music Therapy program has been shown to significantly improve patient recovery by reducing stress and anxiety levels, which can enhance overall well-being. It can also promote emotional expression and provide comfort. Helping patients cope with their conditions more effectively. Additionally, the soothing, melodious concert can lower blood pressure and improve heart rate, contributing to a more positive healing environment. Harlem Renaissance music carries a rich cultural heritage that reflects the creativity and resilience of the African-American community and culture. It played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of Harlem and beyond, influencing numerous genres and artists. By incorporating these timeless melodies into our programming, we celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift.
We have been invited to make the (509-seat) Dempsey Theatre our new theater home in 2026. Meanwhile, we will use our vocal studio theatre as a temporary performance space while building a faithful audience between now and then. In our Studio Theatre, we present a season featuring “Art Songs & Aria’s”- Harlem Renaissance & Around the World, “Lovers Duets,” & “Tenor vs. Baritone.”
TheHarlem Renaissance was a pivotal moment in world history where music served as a powerful medium for cultural expression and innovation. Through our Resident & Apprentice Artists, Collective Chorale, Harlem Boys Choir’s performances, and Educational Outreach, we aim to preserve and celebrate the artistic achievements of this era. By intertwining these historic melodies with our modern initiatives, we not only honor the past but inspire future generations to embrace the rich legacy of creativity and resilience that defined the Harlem Renaissance.
Artisans of the time would shove in shoulder to shoulder in a smokey, lavish townhouse on 136th in the heart of New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. Arts patron A’Lelia Walker, the only child of America’s first self-made female millionaire, hosted salons attended by the writers, poets, artists, musicians, and activists who defined the Harlem Renaissance. Beginning in 1913 all the way through the roaring ’20s, Walker’s home served as a safe space for conversations among the most influential African-American creators of the day.
In a revival of this movement and in honor of A’Lelia Walker salons, we invite artisans to join us this year in our salon at 101 and 1st Avenue. Our salon, an intimate theatre, seats 30 and allows us to connect with the local Harlem music lovers we serve. We warmly invite you to join us in this unique cultural experience, where you can engage with talented artists and be part of meaningful conversations that echo the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. Our upcoming salon events promise an intimate setting for exploring the rich tapestry of music and art that continues to shape our community. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this celebration of heritage and creativity—reserve your spot today and become a part of our vibrant cultural journey.
Building a loyal audience before 2026 is essential for successfully transitioning to the new Dempsey Theatre. It allows us to establish a strong community support and engagement foundation, which will help fill the larger venue and sustain our programs. Additionally, fostering a dedicated following ensures that our performances continue to inspire and resonate, creating a vibrant atmosphere that honors the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance.
We provide the borough and the city with high-quality classical music and additionally provide opera newbies with a safe place to explore the art form outside the intimidating grand opera house. Intimate performance spaces offer a unique opportunity for artists and audiences to connect on a personal level, creating an immersive and engaging experience. This setting allows for greater interaction and responsiveness between performers and attendees, enhancing the emotional impact of each performance. Moreover, such spaces often encourage more experimental and innovative programming, inviting audiences to explore new facets of the art form in a welcoming environment.
Community partnerships play a crucial role in this initiative by fostering collaboration and support. Through alliances with local schools, cultural organizations, businesses, and corporations, we amplify our reach and our impact, enabling us to offer enriching musical experiences to a broader audience. These partnerships not only strengthen our connection to Harlem but also ensure the sustainability and success of our programs as we prepare for the move to the Dempsey Theatre. Assisting us in reaching a global audience.
Harlem Collective partners with four African-American churches in Harlem during Black History Month. In February 2025, we produced “Harlem Renaissance Rebirth,” a Black History concert series held on Sundays at 6:00 pm at our church partners’ sanctuaries. Harlem is known for many things, but the artistic movement of the Harlem Renaissance is one of the borough’s most prominent and historic eras.
We take the “Harlem Renaissance Rebirth” on a national tour traveling to ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Inspiring students to “Dream Big” through inspirational seminars that motivate them to go after their dreams and not allow fear to paralyze them. The seminars complement the concert series by providing educational and motivational components that enrich the cultural experience. While the concerts celebrate the artistic achievements of the Harlem Renaissance through music, the seminars offer students practical guidance and inspiration to pursue their own creative and academic goals. This combination ensures that participants leave not only entertained but also empowered to make a positive impact in their communities.
We reconnected with our church partners on July 4, 2025, for a patriotic concert, “God Bless America.” The community choir of the combined church partners and volunteers lifted their voices together to celebrate our freedom and show gratitude to the creator for blessing America.
We conclude our 2025 season in our church partners’ sanctuaries on December 12 & 13, 2025, in celebration of the holiday and the birth of Christ, “ the New Handel’s Messiah.” Collaborating with church partners allows us to reach a diverse and engaged audience, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. These partnerships provide invaluable support and resources, enabling us to host events that resonate deeply with the community. Through these collaborations, we strengthen our cultural ties and ensure that our initiatives are inclusive and impactful. Join the movement!
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Here at Harlem Collective we celebrate our elders. They have given so much and sacrificed so much so we offer a 35% off all Harlem Collective productions. This benefit it for 65 and older.
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What People Say About Us
The voices of theses artist are incredible.
Allan Patrick
Professional Musician
If you get a chance to hear these singers sing you will not forget the experience for a long time to come!
