The Bucks County Choral Society directed by Thomas Lloyd and the Chancel and Gospel Choirs of St. Thomas African Episcopal Church of Philadelphia, directed by Jay Fluellen and Waltier Blocker, will be presenting two special concerts together entitled "Singing our History."

 

The three choirs will sing together in a full range of styles, with each of the conductors leading works outside their expected stylistic boundaries.  The program will include traditional classical anthems by Haydn, Herbert Howells, Aaron Copland, and Randall Thompson, original compositions by all three conductors, in jazz, gospel, and classical styles; the recent work "Into the Light" by composer Robert Maggio and poet Mary Liz McNamara, and African-American spirituals and gospel anthems. The program will also feature original Duke Ellington soprano DeVonne Gardner. The concerts will conclude with the popular choral crossover arrangement, Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" as arranged in gospel style for Handel's Messiah - A Soulful Celebration.

 

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, with a repeat performance the next day, Sunday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Thomas African Episcopal Church at 6361 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia. Tickets for the June 5 performance are available online at www.buckschoral.org or by calling 215-598-6142. No tickets are required for the June 6 concert, where a free-will offering will be taken.