Lions,
For the first time in the 50-year history of the Florida Memorial University Ambassador Chorale, the ensemble will debut the incredible vocal talents of its students in one of the most prestigious facilities in the world, New York City’s Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Founded in 1975 by the late Professor Roosevelt Williams, Ambassador Chorale is currently directed by Dr. Argarita Johnson-Palavicini, a position she has held for nearly seven years. The renowned Ambassador Chorale represents South Florida’s only historically Black university and performs a wide range of musical genres, including student compositions.
The Ambassador Chorale has traveled and performed throughout the United States, The Bahamas, and Europe. It was a performance with the New World Symphony at the New World Center in Miami Beach last summer that led to the Carnegie Hall invitation.
Following a year of determined fundraising and the loving support of FMU donors, including Councilwoman Katrina Baskins of Miami Gardens, the Ambassador Chorale secured the needed funds for the trip and will be traveling to New York on Wednesday, June 18, for Saturday’s performance with the Choirs of America In Harmony Concert at 8:00 PM.
FMU’s 30-member ensemble, under the direction of Dr. J., will also grace the stage with a solo performance of the traditional African American spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” in the beautiful Midtown Manhattan concert hall.
The FMU Ambassador Chorale has received numerous accolades over the decades and soon will say they have achieved the ultimate musical honor when they sing at Carnegie Hall.

