Critically Acclaimed American Spiritual Ensemble to Perform as Part of Syracuse University Residency

The American Spiritual Ensemble, a critically acclaimed professional vocal group that has thrilled audiences around the world with its dynamic renditions of classic spirituals and Broadway numbers, will visit Syracuse University March 8-11 to hold a residency and offer three public events.
“The American Spiritual Ensemble performs with commitment, passion and exceptional musicality,” says Anne Laver, assistant professor of organ and coordinator for the group’s residency. “They are superstars in the choral world, and we are so excited to be able to host them in Syracuse.”

The ensemble, which performs under the direction of Dr. Everett McCorvey, will rehearse and hold master classes with several vocal ensembles at Hendricks Chapel and in the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music, including the University Singers, Hendricks Chapel Choir, Crouse Chorale and Setnor Sonority.

The residency also includes the following events, which are free and open to the public:

• Sunday, March 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Hendricks Chapel
  Concert by the American Spiritual Ensemble as part of the Malmgren Concert Series at Music and Message. Performance featuring American Negro Spirituals and music of the Black Experience. Reception to follow.
• Tuesday, March 10, 12:30 to 1:50 p.m., Hendricks Chapel
  “‘Mother Music:’ The African-American Spiritual and Its Role in Shaping American Musical Styles.” Lecture recital highlighting the history and context of the Negro Spiritual and its influences on American music.
• Wednesday, March 11, 8 to 9:30 p.m., Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College
  “Lift Every Voice and Sing!” choral concert featuring the American Spiritual Ensemble and Setnor School of Music choirs. A special choral concert featuring performances by the American Spiritual Ensemble, the Setnor School of Music choirs, and a 200-voice combined choir performing arrangements of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and “Amazing Grace.”

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided for the March 8 and 10 events. For additional accommodations, please email Hendricks Chapel.

Complimentary parking for the March 8 and 11 events will be available in University lots and Irving Garage on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid parking will be available for the March 10 event in Irving and University Avenue garages.

The public events are made possible with generous support from Hendricks Chapel, the Setnor School of Music, Syracuse University Humanities Center, the Central New York Humanities Corridor from an award by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Esther Drake and John Vincent Malmgren Endowment.

By Erica Blust, Syracuse University News
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