The canvas of street art splashed on Krog Street Tunnel’s walls, floors and columns has become an artistic hub that attracts spectators of all kinds. But on Thursday, bicyclists and pedestrians walking through the underground tunnel stopped for a different reason: the reverberating voices of the Spelman College Glee Club.

Against the backdrop of the ever-evolving art gallery that is the Krog Street Tunnel, the HBCU glee club members stood underneath the tunnel’s pillars in long black dresses, pearl necklaces, and a touch of red lipstick. They were led by Kevin Johnson, the director of the glee club, in a setlist of hymns sung acapella that kicked off the choir’s spring tour celebrating its 100th anniversary. 

The concert, titled “Resurgens Requiem: History, Heritage, Harmony,” was also part of South Art’s Foundations Creative Placemaking Summit to take place in Atlanta from March 5-8. In partnership with South Arts, Creative Placemaking Communities, Atlanta BeltLine Inc., Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association, Georgia State University’s EPIC Pop Culture Program and the Spelman Glee Club, it was a love letter to Atlanta’s diverse art community and former Atlanta Symphony Orchestra conductor Robert Shaw.

“This was just an excellent opportunity to celebrate local artists who’ve been part of the choral music legacy for decades — a century now with it being 100 years. It was great timing. Perfect group. Perfect time of year to do it. In the perfect space,” said Tyrone Webb, a representative for the Georgia Council for the Arts. “The acoustics of the tunnel, the reverberation, that’s part of the concept of why the project was put together.” 

The immersive experience was the result of a collaborative effort between the summit organizers and the Inman Park and Cabbagetown neighborhoods. Davis Butner,…