Harmonia’s Stand Tall traces the journey of the women’s suffrage movement from first calls for justice, to the ongoing spirit of empowerment; beginning with Alexandra Olshansky’s “What Happens When a Woman?” and closing with Rosephanye Powell’s rousing “Still I Rise.”

The heart of the program is Andrea Ramsey’s groundbreaking Suffrage Cantata, a five-movement choral-oratorio for SSA chorus, soloists, piano, string quartet, narration and percussion. Written after extensive research, Ramsey interweaves original music with historical speeches, letters, banners and songs of influential figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Sojourner Truth and Mary Church Terrell.

The work traces the arc of the movement:

• “It Is Coming” sets the stage with early calls for rights.
• “Failure Is Impossible” captures Anthony’s trial and defiance.
• “A Woman’s Place” honors Ida B. Wells and the 1913 suffrage parade.
• “Shall Not Be Denied” faces the backlash and struggle endured by protestors.
• “Forward Into Light” celebrates victory while pointing to the work that still lies ahead, echoing Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s words, “Lifting as we climb.”

Ramsey’s score acknowledges the complexity of history, honoring the courage of the women who fought for change while recognizing the movement’s shortcomings and the contributions of those who were too often overlooked. In this tapestry-themed season, Stand Tall celebrates many voices woven together across decades, reminding us of the shared journey toward equality and inviting us—together—“forward into light.”

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