WHCO continues our 2026–27 season of Resilience with our winter chamber concert, Unyielding Voices, highlighting both individuals and musical works that endure across time, shaping how we understand ourselves and one another. This concert will be approximately 1hr, no intermission. Reception with the musicians to follow.
Repertoire:
Valerie Coleman: Portraits of Langston (with narrator Daemond Arrindell)
Ludwig van Beethoven: Septet in E-flat major
In Unyielding Voices, we explore both individuals and musical works that endure across time. Valerie Coleman’s Portraits of Langston brings the words and spirit of Langston Hughes vividly to life through a compelling blend of music and spoken word, featuring Pushcart Prize-nominated multidisciplinary artist Daemond Arrindell. Each movement captures a different facet of Hughes’s voice: playful, reflective, and direct. Drawing on jazz, classical, and vernacular traditions to illuminate his lasting cultural impact, Coleman’s work reminds us that resilience is often found in the act of telling one’s story, of preserving identity and truth through art. Beethoven’s Septet in E-flat major offers a complementary perspective, one rooted in connection and shared experience. With its expansive lyricism, vibrant character, and conversational interplay among instruments, the Septet invites listeners into a richly human musical dialogue that showcases resilience through its emotional depth.
Designed for young concertgoers, each event ticket includes Meet the Instruments before the 45-minute hosted concert: 3:15pm-3:45pm: Meet the Instruments / 4pm-4:45pm: Family Concert
Bring the whole family to our Meet the Instruments petting zoo where even our youngest listeners can get up close and personal with their favorite instruments before seeing them come alive onstage. Then find your seats for our enchanting and engaging Family concert! Narrator Sarah Ziegler will guide you through musical selections from our MainStage concert “Unyielding Voices.”
Best for children ages 1-10 and their families.
*Infants under the age of 1 receive complimentary admission.
WHCO Family concerts are relaxed performances.
Enjoy a complimentary beverage at the United Palace where you’ll explore this stunning 3,400-seat theatre, its mezzanine, grand foyer, balcony, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to go up on stage!
The history of United Palace, Manhattan’s 4th largest theatre and now a landmarked building, began in 1930, when it was then one of five Loew’s “Wonder Theatres” across the boroughs and New Jersey. Designed by noted architect Thomas Lamb (James Earl Jones Theatre, the former Ziegfeld Theatre) with interiors overseen by decorative specialist Harold Rambusch (Waldorf Astoria, the former Roxy Theatre), it was one of the region’s premier vaudeville and movie houses. Today, the United Palace hosts concerts, movies, and community events and provides spiritual and cultural programming.
Tours are capped at 40 people. Proceeds go toward maintaining th building.
Meet in the Grand Foyer at 6:45pm ***Tour schedule is subject to change. Tours may be modified depending on events within the theatre.
Experience the magic of medieval holidays at The Met Cloisters in this after-hours night of art, music, and making. Inspired by traditions of light, revelry, and gathering in the darkest season, spend an evening exploring the Museum after dark, connecting with fellow New Yorkers, and getting creative in the festive atmosphere of The Met Cloisters.
Drink specials and light fare available for purchase.
