A concert celebrating Belle da Costa Greene, one of the most influential librarians in American history, through the operatic voice of soprano Candice Hoyes with pianist Christopher Cooley.
Presented by the Logan Center for the Arts in partnership with The Black Baroque Project and UChicago Library
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – 7 pm
Logan Center Performance Penthouse
Tickets $25 for adults: $10 for students
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Belle da Costa Greene, the first director of the Morgan Library in New York and one of the most influential librarians in American history, through the operatic voice of soprano Candice Hoyes with pianist Christopher Cooley.
In her immersive recital “Belle Canto,” Hoyes celebrates Belle’s trailblazing work as curator, public thinker, advocate and mentor of women librarians and modern notion of libraries by the people, for the people. “Belle Canto” highlights the profound Black intellectualism that flourished during Belle’s lifetime and beyond. Hoyes also delves into Greene’s complex personal identity as a Black woman “passing” as white in the rarified sphere her career afforded. Hoyes interweaves Greene’s personal letters, some of which have never been presented in Chicago, throughout the musical repertoire to render an evocative portrait with works by Handel, Puccini, Florence Price, Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, William Grant Still and the artist herself.
Candice Hoyes, innovative multidisciplinary soprano, composer and winner of the 2024 WNYC Public Song Project, launched 2025 with Bella Canto, a commission by the Morgan Library and Museum (New York, NY). Hoyes’s 2025-2026 season includes the world premiere of her film score for acclaimed visual artist Allison Janae Hamilton’s film Celestine: Florida Storm; debuts at the Kennedy Center, Harlem Chamber Players, Jacob’s Pillow, and Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room, as well as the release of her self-penned solo album. Hoyes is joined by pianist Christopher Cooley has concertized with various instrumental and vocal soloists in five continents, as well as Alice Tully Hall and Carnegie Hall.