Written by Evgeniya “Jane” Kozhevnikova in 2020, “The Gift to Sing” is a setting of the poem by James Weldon Johnson for SATB and piano (also available for solo voice and piano). It is a beautiful and uplifting text that reflects on how singing can help to “turn the gloom to cheerful day.” The piece was premiered by the University of North Carolina Chorale directed by Dr. Carole Ott Coelho, on October 17, 2021.

Instrumentation: SATB and piano

Voice Ranges: Soprano – C4 to F5; Alto – B3 to C5; Tenor – E3 to F4; Bass – G2 to C4.

Duration: ca. 3’10’’