| Since its founding in 1993, the WPAS Children of the Gospel Mass Choir has
presented seven sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall,
impressing audiences and critics alike with an inspiring sound and
cohesiveness that belies the young members' ages. On Sunday, Nov. 18 at 2
p.m., the choir will once again fill the Kennedy Center Concert Hall.
Composed of some 200 Washington-area vocalists ranging from grades 4-12 --
each of whom earned a coveted spot through community-wide auditions -- the
Children of the Gospel Mass Choir showcases the talents of area youth while
promoting self-confidence, motivation and respect for others.
For the program, the choir will perform a diverse repertoire that includes
classical, Negro Spirituals and several contemporary gospel selections. The
choir will also perform an original work titled "Let's Build a Bridge All
Across America," written by the choir's former music director Rickey Payton,
Sr., and arranged by co-artistic director Evelyn Simpson Curenton. This piece
was first performed by the choir at the 1997 Swearing-In-Ceremony of former
President Bill Clinton. Throughout the program the Duke Ellington School of
the Arts Show Choir and members from the Eastern High School Choir will
perform.
This year's program also features guest artist Jennifer Holliday, whose 1995
gospel album, "On & On," became a bestseller. The star of Broadway has
released five solo albums and collaborated with the likes of Quincy Jones,
Barbara Streisand and Luther Vandross.
Tickets for the WPAS Children of the Gospel Mass Choir are $20-$45 and can be
purchased by calling 202-467-4600. For more information call WPAS at
202-833-9800. |
