Harry T. Burleigh Festival at Mercyhurst University

Michael Berlin is an arts producer and media professional whose work in cultural programming and storytelling contributes to the festival’s exploration of Harry T. Burleigh’s musical legacy and its continuing relevance.

Countertenor Patrick Dailey is a nationally recognized performer and educator whose work focuses on the preservation and performance of African American spirituals and art song. A member of the voice faculty at Tennessee State University and founder of the Harry T. Burleigh Spirituals Festival, Dailey has dedicated his career to celebrating the musical and cultural legacy of Harry T. Burleigh.

Brian Hannah is a longtime classical music host for WQLN Public Media, where he has helped introduce audiences throughout the region to classical repertoire and musical history. His involvement in the festival highlights the important role public media plays in connecting communities to the arts.

Pianist and music director Gary Mitchell Jr. is known for his work accompanying and supporting performances of African American spirituals and art song, helping bring these traditions to audiences through concerts, educational programming, and collaborative performances.

Dr. Damien Sneed is an internationally recognized pianist, vocalist, conductor, composer, and arts educator whose work bridges classical, gospel, jazz, and contemporary music traditions. He has collaborated with some of the most influential musicians of the past generation, including Jessye Norman, Wynton Marsalis, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder. Through his performances and scholarship, Sneed continues to explore and elevate the cultural and spiritual foundations of American music.

Dr. Jean E. Snyder is widely recognized as the foremost scholar of Harry T. Burleigh. She is the author of the landmark biography "Harry T. Burleigh: From the Spiritual to the Harlem Renaissance," considered the definitive scholarly work on Burleigh’s life and music. Her research has played a critical role in restoring Burleigh’s place within the broader narrative of American music history.

Dr. Louise Toppin is an acclaimed performer, scholar, and educator whose work has helped bring renewed attention to the music of Harry T. Burleigh and other African American composers. A leading interpreter of Burleigh’s songs, Toppin has performed widely across the United States and internationally and is deeply engaged in research and performance that highlights underrepresented voices in classical music. She is also a tenured professor of voice at the University of Michigan.

The Burleigh Legacy Alliance is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Harry T. Burleigh, ensuring that his music and historical contributions remain an important part of the American cultural narrative. Through scholarship, performance, and community partnerships, the organization works to elevate awareness of Burleigh’s influence on American music.

Mercyhurst University is proud to host several events as part of the Harry T. Burleigh Festival and support programming that connects students and the broader community with significant cultural traditions. Through the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center and its academic programs in music and the arts, Mercyhurst continues its commitment to arts education, performance, and community engagement.

Big Blue Opera Initiatives is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding awareness and performance of African American composers and vocal repertoire. Through concerts, recordings, and educational programs, the organization helps preserve and promote historically significant musical traditions connected to Burleigh’s legacy.

The Department of Music at Tennessee State University plays an important role in the preservation and performance of African American musical traditions. Its participation in the festival reflects the university’s longstanding commitment to music education, scholarship, and cultural heritage.

The 105 Voices of History National HBCU Choir brings together singers from historically Black colleges and universities across the country to celebrate the musical heritage of African American composers and performers. Their participation in the Burleigh Festival highlights the continuing influence of spirituals and African American art song within contemporary musical performance.

Erie Arts & Culture serves as the region’s primary arts advocacy and funding organization, supporting artists, arts organizations, and cultural initiatives that enrich the quality of life across Northwest Pennsylvania. Through funding programs, public art initiatives, and community partnerships, Erie Arts & Culture plays a central role in advancing the arts throughout the region.

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority supports initiatives that strengthen the region through economic development, community investment, and cultural programming. ECGRA’s support helps make community-based arts initiatives like the Burleigh Festival possible.