Gospel Masterworks Concerts

GOSPEL MASTERWORKS CONCERTS TO FEATURE SEVERAL NOTABLE SOLOISTS AND THE COMBINED CHOIRS OF PEACHTREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND ST PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH   

Atlanta, GA – Two dynamic music ministries will combine forces to present back-to-back amazing nights featuring many of the most beloved Afro American and Gospel pieces ever written. The choirs of Peachtree Presbyterian Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will meld their vocal resources to present two Gospel Masterworks Concerts. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will host the initial event on Saturday, 2/23/13, with the reprise presentation occurring on Sunday, 2/24/13, at Peachtree Presbyterian Church. Both concerts will begin at 7:00pm in each church’s Main Sanctuary.

The program for each evening will include over 13 uplifting musical treasures including “Every Time I Feel the Spirit”, “I Can Tell the World”, “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” and “Great Day!” (arr. Moses Hogan), “Mary’s Little Boy Chile” (arr. Jester Hairston), “Somebody’s Callin My Name” and “Sweet Home” (arr. Wendell Whalum), “Give me Jesus” (arr. Larry Fleming), “King Jesus is a-Listening” (arr. William Dawson), “Days of Elijah” (by Donnie McClurkin), “Children, Go Where I Send Thee” (arr. Andre Thomas), “Oh, the Savior’s Comin’!” (by Uzee Brown) and “Anticipation” (by V. Michael McKay).

Many of Atlanta’s most accomplished soloists will perform on each night. Scheduled to appear are sopranos Jayme Alilaw, Desilya Denson, Pamela Dillard and Ann Marie McPhail. Tenors Sam Hagan and Nathan Munson will round out this superb troupe of vocal virtuosos.

“When I hear gospel music and spirituals, I hear a desire for freedom. The soul’s desire for ‘freedom from’ is universal” states Mary Hoffman, Director of Musical Ministries for Peachtree Presbyterian Church. “Anyone who is oppressed in any way today, right now, can connect with this music. That is why people all over the world cannot get enough of these songs. Everyone of every race and age understands ‘freedom from’, and this music illustrates that completely” adds Hoffman.

The Gospel Masterworks Concerts have additional significance due to Peachtree Presbyterian Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church being the largest individual congregation of their type for each representative denomination within the United States of America. Also, the two events will be occurring near the end of Black History Month.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Music Director Trey Clegg feels that the music to be featured at both events reaches deeply into one’s being. “I experience a sense of inner peace every time I get to hear, sing or conduct this music. Gospel music is more than a connected series of musical notes and inspirational words. It is felt in every fiber of your body. It simultaneously infuses one’s heart, mind and soul with feelings of hope, forgiveness, grace and aspirations for a better today. And, the promise of a glorious tomorrow. It is literally impossible to sing a gospel song and not smile.”

Both concerts are free and open to the public. Childcare will be available (birth to five years old) during the Peachtree Presbyterian Church event. Ample parking will be available at both concert sites.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a dynamic congregation that focuses on a wide range of ministries at both the local and global levels. Located at 306 Peyton Road SW in Atlanta, GA, our church family offers many opportunities for people of God to serve and minister to their community. For more information concerning worship services and times, various Outreach programs, directions to the church and upcoming events, please call (404) 696-3620 or visit www.stpaulsatl.org.

The purpose of Peachtree’s Music Ministry is to share the redemptive love of God expressed through his son, Jesus Christ. Whether in worship, in concert or in community, we seek to glorify God with the beauty and strength of the musical gifts He has so generously given. Peachtree Presbyterian Church is located at 3434 Roswell Road NW in Atlanta’s Buckhead area. For information concerning Sunday morning service times and locations, sermon schedule, directions to the church, musical recital and concert dates & times and other points of interest, please visit www.peachtreepres.org or call us at 404-842-5800.