Acclaimed Gospel Choir to Appear at EMU

The Harlem Gospel Choir

The Harlem Gospel Choir, one of the pre-eminent gospel choirs in the world, will be in concert 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, in Lehman Auditorium at Eastern Mennonite University.

The choir is a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various black churches in Harlem. The group was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the renowned Cotton Club in Harlem.

The choir has shared their message of love, peace and harmony for years with thousands of people from various nations, backgrounds and cultures. They strive to make the world a more loving and peaceful place.

Through its music and dynamic performance, the choir seeks to create a better understanding of African-American culture and the inspirational music called “gospel.” The primary theme of every performance is “bringing people and nations together and giving something back.”

During 2003 and 2004, the choir traveled the world on an extended “Give Peace a Chance” tour. In recognition of its work, the choir was granted a private audience with His Holiness, the late Pope John Paul II.

This year, the Harlem Gospel Choir is touring the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Italy as part of its “God Bless the Children” tour, working with local children’s charities wherever possible. At home, the choir is raising funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and Rita.

Admission is $25 for reserved seating and $20 general admission. For advance tickets, call the EMU box office at 540-432-4582.