Professor Darryl Taylor Releases DEAR FRIENDS AND GENTLE HEARTS with Louise Toppin

The album explores the artistry of African American Art Song through a collaboration 30 years in the making

Professor Darryl Taylor from the Department of Music at UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts has released Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts, a collaborative album with Louise Toppin, music professor at the University of Michigan. As the founder of the African American Art Song Alliance, Taylor has dedicated his career to elevating the contributions of African American composers, performers, and scholars in the art song tradition. This album continues that mission, celebrating his longstanding partnership with Toppin in championing classical vocal music by Black composers. 

Released through Albany Records, Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts is Taylor and Toppin’s first duet recording, featuring works by Black composers across generations. Many pieces on the record were commissioned for or dedicated to the duo, emphasizing their deep connection to the repertoire and its creators. 

“Louise and I have been active performers of this repertoire for over 30 years,” shared Taylor. “Having the opportunity to perform together is a real treat.” 

Since their early training at the University of Michigan and Aspen Music School, Taylor and Toppin have worked to bring underrepresented works by Black composers to the forefront — Taylor through the African American Art Song Alliance and Toppin’s nonprofit Videmus, which preserves classical vocal and instrumental music by African American composers and other historically underrepresented artists. Through performance, research and education, both the African American Art Song Alliance and Videmus have been instrumental in expanding the reach of these works in classical music. 

Taylor, an acclaimed countertenor, has performed internationally in operas, recitals and spirituals, premiering works by contemporary composers. Toppin, a celebrated soprano, has recorded extensively and performed with leading orchestras and festivals worldwide, championing the music of the African Diaspora. Together, they offer a compelling exploration of cultural wealth and musical innovation. 

“The two-disc recording includes 42 songs, ranging from the sublime to the humorous,” shared Taylor. “Many are world premieres, written expressly for our voices. The album also features duets and chamber pieces with harp, oboe, viola, cello, clarinet, and violin, performed by some of the nation’s finest musicians.”

To experience Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts, visit albanyrecords.com. To learn more about Darryl Taylor, visit his Department of Music faculty bio page here.