Featuring Tony Award Nominee Crystal Lucas-Perry, Edward W. Hardy, Emery Mason, Melissa Mosley, Kaden Kennedy, and Roen Jones. Works by Whitney Houston, Jordan Cooper (“Ain’t No Mo”), Edward W. Hardy, Chopin, Alicia Keys, Chris Stapleton, Queen, John Field, Debussy, Burgmüller, Kapustin, Saint-Saens, Gabriel Fauré, and Bach. Inspired by playwright Lorraine Hansberry and songwriter Nina Simone, "To be young, gifted and Black" is a positive and uplifting message to celebrate resilience, pride and the endless promise of our youth. It refers to recognizing the unique talents, abilities, and potential they possess, and acknowledging the value and contributions they bring to society despite policies, various challenges and systemic barriers in their lives. This presentation is an expression of young excellence in New York City – a place that appreciates the worth and potential of those who are about to inherit this world.