[photo credit: Givebutter]
The program pairs spiritual arrangements by Michal Dawson Connor with Margaret Bonds’ “Credo,” a choral work setting civil-rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois’ 1904 prose poem to music. The concert continues the Pasadena-based Chorale’s practice of presenting works by underrepresented composers at no cost to audiences.
“I Believe is an exploration of faith and hope, and a celebration of the profound musical contributions of two Black American composers,” the Chorale states in describing the program. The 85-voice ensemble will perform works that “honor a rich tradition of resilience, belief, and spiritual reflection.”
The Chorale, founded in 2009 by Jeffrey Bernstein, has presented over 100 performances since its inception. Bernstein, who holds degrees from Harvard, Yale, and UCLA and makes his home in Altadena, serves as Founding Artistic and Executive Director.
Bonds, who lived from 1913 to 1972, composed “Credo” in the mid-1960s. The work sets seven movements to Du Bois’ text, which he wrote as an affirmation of faith in racial equality, liberty, and education. Du Bois’ “Credo” was first published in 1904 and became central to his philosophy, later appearing as the preface to his autobiography.
Connor, a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University, specializes in slave songs created before the Civil War. His published arrangements of African-American spirituals have been performed at churches throughout Southern California.
“This season we’re offering the Pasadena community more ways than ever to experience the joy of choral music,” Bernstein said in announcing the Chorale’s 2025-2026 season. “This is music of healing, comfort, and exuberance, presented, as always, for free.”
The Chorale receives support from the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Pasadena Community Foundation, Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts, and the City of Pasadena.
The Pasadena Chorale presents “I Believe” on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required. The concert takes place at First United Methodist Church Pasadena, 500 East Colorado Boulevard.,. Parking is available in the church lot at the corner of Green Street and Los Robles, directly behind the church.
For more information, email info@pasadenachorale.org or visit pasadenachorale.org. Reserve free tickets at givebutter.com/ibelieve.
