Advance sales are now closed. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the door beginning at 3:00 PM on Sunday.

Feel your spirit soar to new heights at this vibrant and soulful program. Born of a dark past, spirituals have an unmistakable power to connect us through our joys and sorrows. Dr. André Thomas expertly honors this past and moves into the gospel realm by conducting the Midwest premiere of his Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy with orchestra, soloists, and choir. Continue the journey with powerful spirituals for choir and orchestra including “In That Great Gettin’ Up Morning” and “What a Mighty God,” and get ready to shout for joy!

Performers

• VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers
• Dr. André Thomas, conductor
• NaGuanda Nobles, soloist
• Christian Mark Gibbs, soloist
• Orchestra

Three Things to Know

• Through spirituals, enslaved Africans were able to express their community solidarity and vision of freedom while they protested the condition of slavery. The songs were a source of inspiration and comfort, and sometimes a means to convey coded messages that included escape routes.
• The Fisk Jubilee Singers played a pivotal role in the preservation and popularization of spirituals. They were the first to share the music of their ancestors with the wider world, and their performances helped secure a prominent place for spirituals in American music.
• Thomas Dorsey, the “father of Gospel Music,” combined the hymn of praise with the rhythms of jazz and blues. He’s the author of the gospel standard “Precious Lord.”

Learn more

Westminster Town Hall Forum

Dr. Thomas spoke at the Westminster Town Hall Forum on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 about “Understanding the Negro Spiritual.” Hear his presentation here: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/11/12/andre-thomas-at-westminster-town-hall-forum

Minnesota Spokesman Recorder Article

https://spokesman-recorder.com/2019/11/14/renowned-composer-andre-thomas-returns-to-minnesota-for-a-celebration-of-love/

KBEM Interview

http://www.jazz88.fm/2019/11/14/dr-andre-thomas-with-vocalessence/

CONCERT PROGRAM

Thank you to our sponsors