Join us for a spectacular performance by The American Spiritual Ensemble, an amazing group of opera singers dedicated to keeping the American Negro Spiritual alive. The performance will take place at The Church of the Holy Trinity, 502 S. Morris Street in Oxford, on Friday, September 16th at 7:00 pm.
Founded in 1955 by Dr. Everett McCorvey, The American Spiritual Ensemble is dedicated to helping to preserve spirituals, Christian songs created by African salves describing their values and hardships. Dr. McCorvey is the Director of the AES, Director and Executive Producer of the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, and the Artistic Director of the National Chorale at Lincoln Center, New York City.
Members are comprised of opera singers who perform with the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Boston Opera, and the Atlantic Civic Opera. In addition to performing, some are professors at leading universities, vocal health experts, and active in arts organizations.
In 2016, the AES performed in the Midwest, Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee as well as touring in Spain. In April, they performed a concert with Kathleen Battle, singing songs of the Underground Railroad. In addition they performed a concert with the Minnesota Public Radio. This September the AES is in residency at Salisbury University (Salisbury MD) as part of the Ruth Starr Rose Exhibit. The ASE has always filled Holy Trinity with the power and joy of their music. This concert is not to be missed.
Liz Freedlander says
I heard the ensemble at the Dorchester Center for the Arts last night. It was one of the most powerful concert experiences I have ever had.
The voices were extraordinary. The visiting of this folk/ faith music born of pain and hope is moving. Don’t miss this opportunity in Oxford