For 39 years, Sweet Honey In The Rock—an all-female a cappella ensemble founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon—has performed a repertoire steeped in the sacred music of the Black church, the clarion call of the civil rights movement, and songs about the struggle for justice.

From left to right, members of Sweet Honey In The Rock are Louise Robinson, Shirley Childress Saxton (sign language interpreter), Nitanju Bolade Casel, Carol Maillard, Aisha Kahlil and Ysaye Maria Barnwell. Photo by Dwight Carter.

Harry Belafonte has noted, “Their songs lead us to the well of truth that nourishes the will and courage to stand strong.”

Rooted in a deeply held commitment to create music out of the rich textures of African American legacy and traditions, Sweet Honey In The Rock possesses a stunning vocal prowess that captures thecomplex sounds of blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, hip hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz improvisation. Sweet Honey’s collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces a sound filled with soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms.

The group will visit Harvard February 14-15, 2013 to lend their powerful voices to The Festival of Women’s Choruses— produced by The Radcliffe Choral Society in association with the Office for the Arts and Department of Music—participating in rehearsals, workshops and a concert. Complete information will be available later in the fall term.