The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is a group dedicated to all Afrocentric genres of music and is expertly directed by founder, Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. The group is named after R. Nathaniel Dett, a Black Canadian composer and musician. The group has performed in the United States, France, Western Canada, Quebec, Manitoba, and the Maritimes. Boasting to be Canada’s first professional chorale group that is focused on Afrocentric music, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale has collaborated with internationally recognized artists such as Juno Award-winning jazz pianist Joe Sealy, singers Molly Johnson, Jackie Richardson, opera star Kathleen Battle, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

The group was honoured to perform at events dedicated to world leaders Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the “greatest” Muhammad Ali, and pianist Oscar Peterson. Notably, the chorale was the only Canadian group to perform at the momentous inauguration of former US President Obama in 2009.

Consisting of multi-talented vocalists, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is on a journey to excel in all styles of music, including popular music, jazz, folk, classical, and blues, to suit the taste of the African community in Canada. What is unique about them is that they constantly strive to integrate a historical context through music. The group does not miss an opportunity to add educational value through their concerts and performances, planting pride in their community and culture. The chorale is unique in its attempts to create a vivacious and more connected community by gathering its audience to achieve its goals.