National Medal of Arts Awardee Hosts First-Ever Blacks in Classical Music Cruise

Washington, DC, DC, September 22, 2015 --(PR.com)-- To juxtapose underserved youth with a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is a bold, yet innovative and inspiring move, especially when it’s the first time in history. The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA), a non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting Blacks in classical music and others in the performing arts, while serving underserved youth to help “Bring Color to the Classics!”, will make history on the high seas next fall. The 501c3 arts organization is sponsoring the first-time ever “Arias at Sea: Blacks in Classical Music Cruise” aboard a Baroque-esque luxury ship, the Carnival Pride, departing from the Port of Baltimore, and featuring Blacks performing classical music onboard and in port, with National Medal of Arts Awardee George Shirley serving as Host. The organization will also award an underserved youth an opportunity to enjoy classical music on the high seas as a part of the organization's 2016 Scholarship Program. The sailing is set for November 6th – 13th, 2016 with proceeds benefiting the organization’s educational outreach programming efforts. National Medal of Arts Awardee tenor George Shirley serves as the cruise host.

The cruise features a variety of specialized activities both on board and in port. Guests will be greeted with a private Welcome Aboard Soiree©, complimentary toast featuring classical music, onboard private recitals performed by renowned musicians including soprano Angela Simpson, mezzo Bridgette Cooper, bass/baritone Marvin Lowe, tenor Issachah Savage, pianist Dr. Lester Green, and additional artists.

While in Nassau, Bahamas, guests will be shuttled to a concert, and in Freeport, patrons will be enthralled by a performance by the island’s most popular music school, the Allegro School of Music. Other cruise highlights include; Blacks in Classical Music Panel, Hasta la Vista Piano Reception©, a fun-filled Broadway Karaoke Night, Captain’s Cocktail Party, Masked Ball Line Dance Party, and an All-White Dinner with a Complimentary Group Photo.

Interested parties should contact the CAAPA offices at 301-839-1444 or email info@4caapa.org for more information, visit the group’s website at www.4caapa.org, or pay a deposit by mailing to CAAPA, Post Office Box 44954, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.