Since its founding in 1985, The New South Festival Singers has championed the music of black composers and the folk songs and spirituals of the black experience. For our annual "Tribute to the American Black Composer" concert in 2024, Music Director Lynn Swanson has chosen the deeply moving cantata, "Changed My Name" by Linda Twine. Using traditional songs and composed music the cantata tells the story of seeking freedom through the words of 19th century heroes Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman. Dr. Norma Raybon plays the role of Sojourner Truth, and the Reverend Henrietta Andrews plays the role of Hariett Tubman.