Eight weeks from now the Foundation will present its eleventh annual ‘Suitable Airs’ benefit concert, sung from the sanctuary of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in the historic township of Eatonville Florida.  This year’s production will have several unique elements that are noteworthy.  It will be the first major “NS”SF program for which Tai Oney will serve as Music Director.  Mr. Oney’s role in preparing for a successful concert entails everything from music selection to artist management, to conducting the GRADY-RAYAM Master Singers - a troupe of twelve hand-picked voices that will deliver choral arrangements of spirituals as both a featured element and backing ensemble.  The roster of musical performers is impressive, as it represents a cross-section of talent that is among the best to be found in our local community.  Our principal vocal artist is the incredible  Paul An, a young bass who made his mark in Central Florida as a Studio Artist with Orlando Opera during its final season and starts this new season in affiliation with New York’s Metropolitan Opera.  Mr. An demonstrates  amazing aptitude and skill as an interpreter of the Negro spiritual song, and is frankly among the most masterful of those singing storytellers the Foundation has had the good fortune to engage over the course of our history.  Joining Paul An at centerstage will be another remarkable musician who is as much loved by Orlando audiences as he is renowned.  The pianist Robin Stamper honors us greatly by agreeing to serve as principal accompanist to Mr. An and other soloists.  The program would not be complete (neither would it likely be presented) without the voices of  four young Floridians who are the 2009 GRADY-RAYAM PRIZE winning vocalists.  Students Denée Benton, Azschrielle Jackson, Ryan Mack,  and Latonio Nichols are accomplished singers, each one capable of inspiring listeners when in performance.  We take the greatest pride in being able to showcase their considerable talent on a pre-professional level. In a unique twist, this year’s outing will draw artistry from the ranks of our Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in the person of Principal Horn Mark Fischer, who will join Mr. An in the debut of a new work by renowned composer-arranger Jacqueline Butler Hairston; the spiritual There’s A Man Goin’  Round, set for solo voice and French horn.  You must hear the striking effect of this tonal pairing to appreciate its haunting beauty as perfectly revealed by the Hairston score.   As if all that is not enough, I can also reveal that there will be a  surprise musical presentation on the program that involves voices connected with the Foundation but from a highly unexpected source!  I will drop a hint or two as we get closer to the event.  You, meanwhile,  need to make plans to attend ‘Suitable Airs’ XI and enjoy the fresh faces and new sounds on display.