Chicago’s esteemed Black chamber music collective, D-Composed, is set to make a stunning debut at the Harris Theater in collaboration with acclaimed bass-baritone Davóne Tines and his band, THE TRUTH, featuring bassist Khari Lucas and pianist John Bitoy. This one-night-only event presents the Chicago premiere of ROBESOИ, a bold and immersive concert experience conceived by Tines and director Zack Winokur. The production honors the life and legacy of the legendary singer, actor, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson through his rich musical repertoire, spanning gospel, classical, Broadway, and folk music.

In this exclusive Chicago performance, D-Composed will join Tines and THE TRUTH in fresh, dynamic arrangements by Chicago-based composer Ahmed Al Abaca. The performance takes place on Tuesday, October 1, at 6:00 PM at The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph St.), launching the return of Harris Theater’s popular “Mix at Six” series this fall. Tickets are available for $20 at dcomposed.com.

The concert weaves together Robeson’s poignant words with music intimately associated with him, offering a deeply moving experience. Audiences will hear iconic pieces like “Old Man River,” a stirring anthem of resilience; the crowd-rousing “This Little Light of Mine”; “The House I Live In,” which seamlessly blends music with social commentary on the ongoing fight for justice and inclusivity; and powerful spirituals such as “I’ll Fly Away” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.”

Kori Coleman, Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of D-Composed, reflects on the significance of celebrating Robeson and collaborating with Tines:

“We’re honoring Black artists by paying tribute to an iconic ancestor, Paul Robeson, who paved the way for so many of us today. When Davóne told me about this production, I knew D-Composed had to be a part of it. For us, as an organization focused on Black artists and storytelling, this collaboration was a natural fit. Our Harris Theater debut is particularly special, as it marks our largest venue to date. More importantly, Harris Theater’s dedication to boundary-pushing storytelling and increasing accessibility aligns perfectly with our mission to reach diverse audiences and remove barriers to the arts. We can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.”

Davóne Tines, often compared to Robeson for both his vocal depth and his boundary-defying approach to classical music, offers a performance in ROBESOИ that is both a tribute to and a deep exploration of Robeson’s complex legacy. Having premiered at New York’s Little Island earlier this year, ROBESOИ will also be performed in Los Angeles and released as an album on Nonesuch Records before arriving in Chicago.

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