"The choirs from Norfolk State University offered a superb blend of types and styles of music, all well executed. In addition, the singers exuded their own unique musical personality to the program resulting in a satisfying, mature performance seldom achieved in a typical spring tour college choir concert."
Neal Campbell, Councillor for Region III, AGO
Organist and Choirmaster
St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Richmond
"Thank you for an excellent contribution to our concert series! I was especially impressed with the ensemble's attention to phrasing and dynamic contrast. It is readily apparent that this is a group of thinking musicians all with a sense of dedication to the music at hand."
Jeremy David Tarrant
Organist and Choirmaster
Cathedral of St. Paul (Detroit)
"The vocal brilliance and exquisite singing of the Norfolk State University Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Carl W. Haywood is extraordinary among college and university choirs today, and if music is, indeed, the universal language, it cannot be spoken more eloquently than by this extremely talented ensemble of young singers."
Carl G. Harris, D. Mus. A.
Professor of Music/University Organist
Hampton University
"Under the direction of Dr. Haywood, The Norfolk State University Concert Choir achieves a level of musical integrity and artistry found only in the finest professional choirs. The choir's ability to handle the complexities of modern music coupled with their disciplined performances of the works of the choral masters results in a performance that is very gratifying to the listener. While their beauty of tone, phrasing, and dynamic shading are their hallmark, their mental and overt involvement in the act of singing enhances both the visual and aural aesthetic."
Adolphus Hailstork, Ph. D.
Composer-in-residence
Old Dominion University, Norfolk
"Having grown up in Norfolk, I have fond and deep memories of the great choral tradition at NSU. Upon my recent visit to the campus, I was delighted and dare I say thrilled by the level of music making exhibited through the diversity of repertory, and indeed by the quality of performance as well. This is a testament to their honest, and continual commitment to excellence and enlightenment."
Maestro Thomas Wilkins
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Magnificent! Wonderful sound, exquisite singing! One of the best choirs on the East Coast.
Dr. Roy Belfied
Stillman College
Tuscaloosa
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church has hosted many college choirs in its history. The Norfolk State University Concert Choir ranks as one of the very finest among them.
Tony McNeill
Director of Music
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Charlotte
NSU Choirs produce a tone that is warm, rich, and pleasant for music of all genres. Their sensitivity to musical phrases and commitment to choral excellence are the ingredients for a great concert. We were not disappointed. It was an awesome concert!
Sam Whatley
Minister of Music
Sixth Avenue Baptist Church
Birmingham
The NSU Concert Choir has a tone that is exquisite, vibrant, and blended. Their ability to present and execute a diverse program rich with motets, anthems, madrigals, spirituals, and contemporary songs enables them to present a most enjoyable concert. They are truly worth hearing.
Cecil Clegg,III
Organist and Choirmaster
St. Paul's, Atlanta
