Featured in THEIR VOICES LIVE ON – Astral Artists

THEIR VOICES LIVE ON | Chrystal E. Williams’ Astral Artists Debut Recital

“When asked to present this recital, I knew I wanted it to represent more than just an afternoon of music. I wanted it to be a voice for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless, strength for the weakened. No, not literally; but this is the power of music-to take us someplace else and encourage and free us to be and do better. I chose music about groups of people (ridiculed, despised, suppressed, oppressed) to which we, the world, can all relate. Music is my language and through it I hope to share this gift that God has given me with all of you!

I asked Felipe Hostins if he would compose a piece for me relating to his beloved Brazil. His inspiration was the strength of the Brazilian people, their necessity to migrate in order to sustain their families, along with the price they pay in order to do this; some of them spending decades without seeing their loved ones. His inspiration was also his hope to rally his fellow Brazilians and remind them that no matter what the political situation may be, the strength they inherited has already reinvigorated them and the fight for justice and all things good has already begun!

You may notice a bit of a dance theme throughout. When Astral told me this would be my Philadelphia debut recital and that it was to represent me, I thought to myself, it must have dancing! Dance has always been a huge part of my life, beginning with my mother, who always told us where there’s a will there’s a way and that we need not conform to the norm for we are not normal! She attended every single one of my performances that she was physically able to attend. She never made it to Philadelphia. I dance in her memory; though perhaps not as graceful, full of heart.”

-Chrystal E. Williams-