Union's Heavenly Voices gospel choir has performed at a variety of campus and community events.
But the group scored one of its biggest gigs when it was selected to perform at the Gospel Jubilee at Proctors Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Headlined by Tony Award-winner Melba Moore, the show features an impressive lineup of gospel talent, including the Emmanuel Baptist Church Praise Dancers from the Bronx. Heavenly Voices, under the musical direction of Rev. Elgin Joseph Taylor Sr. of Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, will join with singers from area churches to form the Jubilee Mass Choir.
Also on the bill is Kenneth Hamber, who recently released his new gospel project, “I’m Blessed.”
A non-denominational group that promotes self-expression through the singing of contemporary and traditional religious songs, Heavenly Voices has been rehearsing since early March for its showcase on the big stage at Proctors.
The 15-member choir is used to performing songs to fit its size and vocal abilities. But joining with singers from local churches, the special choir has swelled to 125 members capable of presenting songs with a bigger sound.
"We're a little bit nervous, because we haven't performed on this scale before," said
Ackeem Hill '13, the group's president. "But working with Rev. Taylor and the Gospel Jubilee Mass Choir is truly a blessing. This worship experience is a perfect representation of the power of unity when all God's people are under one roof, with one aim and purpose."
The choir is organized by musical director Lynny Walters and faculty advisor Gretchel Hathaway.