Curtis Bannister Vocals
Actor and tenor Curtis Bannister is the winner of the 2021 Actors Equity Foundation Roger Sturtevant Award for Outstanding Performance in Musical Theater and a Drama League Award nominee. Since his operatic debut in the title role of Verdi’s Otello, Bannister has been lauded as one of the most talented performing artists of his generation for his achievements in theater, classical music, and film. Announced 2025 projects include Bannister’s stage debut at Goodman Theatre in The Color Purple, Robert Johnson in Damien Geter’s new opera Delta King’s Blues for Washington, D.C.’s IN Series, and a return to the Indianapolis Symphony’s Yuletide Celebration holiday performances. Bannister debuted at the Kennedy Center in Bernstein’s MASS for the Center’s fiftieth anniversary and has performed with the Cincinnati Pops, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and with the Philadelphia Orchestra in Bernstein’s Candide alongside Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan. Bannister has appeared in film at the Tribeca Film Festival and in TV projects on NBC, Apple TV+, and Netflix. thecurtisbannister.com | Instagram: @thee_cb
Fred Nelson III Choir Director
Native Chicagoan Fred Nelson III lives a life dedicated to family, music, mentorship, and excellence in the arts. As a music director and conductor, he has worked with music legends like Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, and Anita Baker, in addition to serving as producer and composer for recordings, films, and commercials for major brands. Nelson has served as minister of music and director of the music and arts departments at organizations including the New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson, First Church of Deliverance, and Christ Universal Temple in Chicago. He is also dedicated to fostering the next generation of musicians serving as the artistic director for Southland College Prep High School and Matteson School District 162. He received his Honorary Doctor of Sacred Arts—Music from the WWMI Bible Institute and Seminary in 2023. Fred Nelson has been recognized with numerous awards that reflect his contributions to the music world and his enduring influence across the cultural landscape.
Fred Nelson III Ensemble
Fred Nelson III Director
Felicia Coleman-Evans
Tanika Price
Monica Guthrie
Chrises Riley
Nicole Turner
Rachel Reed
Faith Howard
Curtis Busta Brown
Nancy Thompson
Denzel Talison
Devin Thompson
Gus Lacy