Broadway Records to Release Exclusive Stephen Schwartz Single "Testimony"

"Testimony," a new single written by award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) will be released November 17, with proceeds benefiting anti-bullying workshops in New York City Public Schools. The new single will be available on iTunes, at BroadwayRecords.com and at all major retailers.

Inspired by the It Gets Better Project, Schwartz wrote "Testimony" for a 2012 concert performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) performed the world premiere of the mixed chorus version, at Carnegie Hall, in 2013, as part of a New York Pops concert celebrating the composer, and once again, at the Wall to Wall Stephen Schwartz concert, at Symphony Space in 2016.

" 'Testimony' was written using interviews for the It Gets Better Project," said Schwartz in a statement, "but to me it has always had a broader implication, speaking for those who have experienced bullying or felt shame for who they are, whatever the reason. I have always hoped for a good SATB performance, and hearing the piece so beautifully sung by the EVUSA under the always impeccable direction of Judith Clurman is ​a real joy for me."

The recording with Essential Voices USA includes Joseph Beutel, Luthien Brackett, Connor Cheek, Lianne Coble, Margery Daley, Lana Graves, Paul Hernandez, Alonso Johnson,​​​ Helen Karloski, Matthew Leonard, David Gabriel Lerner, Kate Levin, Drew Martin, Steven Moore, Kim Queren, Heather Petrie, Jamet Pittman, Gregory Purnhagen, Mikki Sodergren, Elisa Singer, John Tiranno, Kim Queren, Tommy Wazelle, Katherine Wessinger, Lewis White. James Cunningham is at the piano.