SAVE THE DATE
Don’t miss our presentation of Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass on Sunday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. in our worship center.
When Robert Ray was attending college at Northwestern University, he was commissioned to write an experimental setting of the Mass using rhythms and harmonies of African-American music. In Ray’s mind, God lead him in the writing of this now famous work. “God controls everything I do,” said Ray, a conductor, composer and music educator. It was written at a time when Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message of inclusion felt fresh and white audiences were eager to embrace gospel music.
Even though the music was expected to be a one-time performance, after the first performance it caught on and was wildly successful.
The work is different with each performance depending on the nature of the choir and the creative improvisation of the soloists and instrumentalists.
The traditional movements with classic texts include the genres of rock, jazz, blues and pop. The music retains the ability to fascinate listeners with a freshness of vision each time it is sung.
Carve out time in your schedule to attend this concert. Invite friends and neighbors. You will be glad you did.
About Maria Ellis
Maria Ellis from UMSL will be conducting our Gospel Mass presentation.
Maria holds roles of Artistic Director for both The Sheldon’s All-Star Chorus and the University 0f Missouri-St. Louis Voices of Jubilation Ensemble.
The award winning radio programs “Bach and Beyonce” and “American Gospel ” are both hosted by Maria Ellis.
Maria made her conducting debut at Carnegie Hall conducting The Gospel Mass.”
She has won numerous awards locally and internationally.
It is no wonder she is in such high demand.