The Fisk Jubilee Singers have been named the 2017 recipients of the Synergy Award, to be presented by the Nashville Ballet. The Synergy Award is presented annually to musical organizations that further the creative partnership between music and dance. The award will be presented at the annual Ballet Ball on March 4 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The Ballet Ball is Nashville Ballet’s most elegant annual fundraiser, bringing together over 600 of the city’s most prominent philanthropists and patrons of the arts for an elaborate black-tie affair.

As one of the world’s foremost a cappella ensembles and the premier performers of the Negro spiritual, The Fisk Jubilee Singers specialize in performing songs originally sung by slaves prior to the Civil War. Under the leadership of Dr. Paul Kwami, associate professor of music, the Singers have performed in renowned venues such as the Apollo Theatre, the historic Plymouth Congregational Church in New York, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institute, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, The White House, and has also been awarded a National Medal of Arts.

During the Ballet Ball, the Singers will perform two selections: ‘There is a Balm in Gilead’ and ‘I’m Gonna Sing ‘til the Spirit Moves in my Heart.’ They will be accompanied by Nashville Ballet company dancer Christopher Stuart. Kwami will accept the award on behalf of the group and deliver remarks.

In addition to the Ballet Ball performance, The Fisk Jubilee Singers will headline the historic Ryman Auditorium on Saturday, March 19, at 7:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or www.ryman.com. For more information about The Fisk Jubilee Singers, visit www.fiskjubileesingers.org