Art & Music posted Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Sharing our History Concert
The Bucks County Choral Society directed by Thomas Lloyd a member of the Cathedral congregation, and the Chancel and Gospel Choirs of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia, directed by Jay Fluellen and Waltier Blocker will be presenting two concerts together entitled “Sharing our History.”
The first concert will be on Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church on 235 East State Street in Doylestown, PA with a repeat performance the next day, Sunday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the African Episcopal Church of S.t Thomas at 6361 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia. Tickets for the June 5 performance are available online at or by calling 215-598-6142. No tickets are required for the June 6 concert, where a free-will offering will be taken.
The program will include traditional classical anthems by Haydn, Herbert Howells, Aaron Copland, and Randall Thompson; original sacred jazz compositions by all three conductors, in jazz, gospel, and classical styles; a recent work by New Hope composer Robert Maggio on justice and community called “Into the Light,” and African-American spirituals and gospel numbers conducted by all three conductors.
The program will also feature original Duke Ellington soprano DeVonne Gardner, who has performed in the past with both BCCS and the St. Thomas choirs. And the program will conclude with the ultimate choral crossover arrangement, Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from as arranged in gospel style for the popular Handel’s Messiah – A Soulful Celebration. For information on the June 6 concert date, please call the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas at 215.473.3065.
Submission by Daniel Tomko, Communications Assistant
