This Libretto Reading takes place in advance of the February 10, 2024 performance of a new commission and world première by American composer NKEIRU OKOYE.

Okoye’s evocative new piece celebrates the spirit of rising above expectations and transforming adversity into triumph. Partly in tribute to the activist and poet laureate Maya Angelou, When the Caged Bird Sings celebrates explores the transformative ability of the human spirit, and especially African American women, commemorating those who have paved a path for future generations in many fields of human endeavor.

Commissioned by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance as part of the Michigan Orchestra Repertoire for Equity initiative.