JULY 14 – 17, 2026

What does it mean to create beauty in the face of injustice? During the Harlem Renaissance, Black poets, musicians, and artists answered that question with works of brilliance. In Genius Child, Cantus honors that legacy through two evocative song cycles: H. Leslie Adams’ Nightsongs and Ricky Ian Gordon’s Genius Child. With texts by Langston Hughes, Georgia D. Johnson and others, the music brings to life voices that continue to resonate, urging us to reflect on our shared histories and the enduring power of art to inspire change.

Repertoire Highlights:

“Nightsongs” — H. Leslie Adams
“Genius Child” — Ricky Ian Gordon
“Fields of Wonder” — Margaret Bonds

Collaborative Accompanist

Pianist Casey Rafn enjoys a varied career as a collaborative pianist both in the United States and abroad, in Europe and Latin America. He is a member of ‘Trés’, whose saxophone-piano trio was just nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Instrumental Album for their new album “Romance al Campesino Porteño.” Casey often collaborates in concert or recordings with members of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and University of Minnesota School of Music faculty. As a piano soloist he took top prizes at the International Liszt-Garrison Competition in Baltimore, has appeared with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, and has taught at both the University of Minnesota School of Music and the St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts.