Back to All Events

PREMIERE: Brooklyn Youth Chorus perform "Raw Sugar" by Nyokabi Kariuki

  • Kings Theatre 1027 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY, 11226 United States (map)

The Brooklyn Youth Chorus “Spring Sings” concert is finally here after a 3 year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic!


In 2019, I was announced the winner of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Men’s Ensemble Composer Competition which led to a commission of a piece for the ensemble. I wrote the work “Raw Sugar”, using text from my cousin Marundu Muturi — a poem reflecting on dreams, and the strangeness of future — at the time not knowing that a pandemic was around the corner.

Very thankful to BYC Men’s Ensemble Director Kris Burke for continuing to see the premiere of the work through. This piece was my first concert commission, and I look back on the experience with gratitude for its role in affirming that I was on the right path as a composer that trusted my own instinct and style. It’s been 2 years since I wrote the work, and now finally, it will premiere at the historic Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NYC.

Details from BYC Website:

After three years, Brooklyn Youth Chorus' annual spring concert returns to the Kings Theatre! Sing in the spring and summer with the glorious voices of the Chorus, performing a wide range of joyful choral music. The 2pm concert will feature Preparatory, Pre-Teen I, and Pre-Teen II choristers. The 7:30pm concert will feature Teen, Junior Ensemble, Men's Ensemble, Concert Ensemble choristers.

My work will be performed by the Men’s Ensemble at the 7:30pm concert.