Charleston Gospel Choir & Charleston Spiritual Ensemble in a benefit performance honoring the victims of shooting at Emanuel AME Church, Sat., July 18, 4:00pm

Joseph Young, Conductor

For Immediate Release

                                                                                     

July 1, 2015

Charleston SC—The Charleston Gospel Choir and Charleston Spiritual Ensemble, with musicians from the Colour of Music Festival Orchestra, will be joined by members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, and area musicians in a benefit performance honoring the victims of the June 17, 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Saturday, July 18, 4:00pm at Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

All donations will support the Emanuel African AME Church Memorial Fund.

Under the direction of South Carolina native Joseph Young of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the groups will perform moving spirituals, gospel, and orchestrations highlighted by dramatic arias from sopranos Lori C. Hicks and Kimwana Doner-Chandler, and baritone Kenneth Overtone.

“The music will honor our fallen brothers and sisters which, for the moment, will allow us all to reflect and work towards healing. I am honored to contribute using music as a way to help heal the community,” says Maestro Young.

“This is one of the most heartfelt productions I have ever conceived. Bringing this multi-cultural gathering of musicians and vocalists together for a cause that has resonated around the world is the least we can collectively do. Everyone has donated their time and I am humbled by this outpouring of generosity for the greater good,” said Lee Pringle, producer of the event.

This benefit performance is free and open to the public; entry ticket is required and can be obtained at the Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun Street, Charleston.

For more information: www.charlestonspiritualensemble.org or www.charlestongospelchoir.org