History

Every organization has a beginning. This timeline traces the milestones, partnerships, performances, and creative achievements that have shaped Courtney's Stars of Tomorrow from its founding in 2014 to the present.

2014 – The idea for Courtney's Stars of Tomorrow is inspired by Issachah Savage and the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church Chancel Choir's performance of Ho, Everyone That Thirsteth.

2014 – Courtney's Stars of Tomorrow becomes an official organization through fiscal sponsorship with Fractured Atlas, enabling the organization to accept charitable donations and apply for grants.

2014 – CSOT presents its inaugural concert at the Langston Hughes Auditorium at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, featuring Janinah Burnett, Julia Rolwing, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nathaniel Thompson, Cameo Humes, the New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble, and Timothy Hutto.

2015 – CSOT partners with Talbots to present an evening of opera and Broadway favorites through the retailer's "Let's Work Together" program.

2016 – Launches its first education initiative, the MLK Music Initiative, in partnership with GO Project, introducing students to music of the Civil Rights Movement and the Negro Spiritual.

2016 – Receives its first major grant from the Staples Foundation through the 2 Million & Change program, expanding support for educational initiatives.

2019 – Receives public funding from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone to support public performances in Manhattan.

2019 – Presents a sold-out concert of music by Black composers at Carnegie Hall and launches the Legends Live conversation series at Lincoln Center with legendary mezzo-soprano Florence Quivar.

2019 – Launches The Whole Review, a digital classical music lifestyle magazine that reaches more than 20,000 readers in its first year.

2019 – IDAGIO becomes CSOT's official media partner, streaming its recorded performances through the Global Concert Hall platform.

2021 – Following the pandemic, CSOT launches Opera in the Park, which quickly becomes the organization's signature annual outdoor performance.

2023 – Navona Records releases I Wanna Be Ready: Spirituals Arranged by Courtney Carey, featuring The Concert Chorale, Justin Austin, Jeryl Cunningham-Fleming, and Joseph Joubert.2024 – Celebrated CSOT's 10th Anniversary Season.

2026 – Released A Baroque Fantasy: Dialogues with Vivaldi on Navona Records.

2026 –Expansion of CSOT Publishing with educational activity books and other publications.