Savor Goes Gospel Concert

SALISBURY, MD -- What happens when the largest symphony orchestra on the Eastern Shore meets two African-American Gospel Choirs that are collectively just as large?

Savor the moment. On Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m. in an evening titled "Savor Goes Gospel," the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra at Salisbury University comes together with the Gospel choirs of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and SU, for a concert of traditional American favorites and some rousing surprises. The evening is a fund-raiser for the symphony and tickets, including a desserts, coffee and champagne reception, are $35. For reservations, due April 12, call 410-548-5587.

The concert is at the Ella Fitzgerald Center for the Performing Arts at UMES, which is earning a reputation as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation.

"'Savor Goes Gospel' is a little different, which I think will make it fun and exciting for our audience," said Dr. Thomas Elliot, conductor of the symphony. "Internationally, African-American Gospel is gaining a reputation as a distinctive art form and the success of performers such as the Nichols Sisters and the UMES Gospel Choir at SU's American Women Writers of Color Conference Concert indicate audiences are responding with enthusiasm."

"We have old traditional Gospel," said Dr. Della Dameron-Johnson, who has been advisor/manager of UMES's 86-member Gospel Choir for the last decade, "and contemporary Gospel, which has really caught on with young people." She believes part of the popularity of the music is its message of freedom, a very American theme. Musical director for the UMES Gospel Choir is Fernandez Batson.

"This is the first time I've known that the orchestra has invited us to collaborate and we're extra excited that the symphony and our two (choral) groups are coming together," said Debbie Johnson, director of SU's 18-member Gospel Choir. "I'm looking forward to a great evening."

"We hope we'll reach new audiences with this concert," added Elliot.

The program will consist of symphonic music, choral selections and the three groups performing together. A grand finale will include "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Amazing Grace." Dameron-Johnson, herself an actor and singer, is the featured soloist in "Holy Ghost Power." Other selections include "There's a Storm Out on the Ocean," "Let Everything that Hath Breath" and "Just Tell Them when You Saw Me, I Was on my Way."

The reception, which comes during an extended intermission, is by UMES Catering. "We think the audience is in for a treat, both musical and culinary," said Roy Perdue of the Symphony Board of Directors. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.