Let their music move you – and it will.
“Songs of Solomon,” a 40-voice ensemble from New York City, will bring its exuberant spirit to a concert in Lehman Auditorium at EMU, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.
The ensemble was founded in 2001 by Chantel Wright for young people of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to express themselves through inspirational music.
The group has performed at Madison Square Garden, The Apollo, at the 911 commemorative ceremonies at Ground Zero in 2006 and was featured on the Macy’s Fourth of July celebration on NBC television with Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia Barrino of “American Idol.”
The ensemble was the 2003 winner of the McDonald’s Gospelfest and the first place finisher at the 2005 Pathmark gospel choir competition. They have released an album of original and fresh takes on traditional gospel music.
Wright, a Chicago native, also serves as program director for the Songs of Solomon Academy for the Arts, which serves students of the Professional Performing Arts High School in instrumental and vocal music. The Academy is housed at the James Varick Community Center in Central Harlem.
‘Heartfelt Expression’
“I was greatly moved by the musical performance and heartfelt expression when I heard Songs of Solomon in June, 2006,” said Melody Pannell, director of multicultural services at EMU. “The group displays a strong classical training and a sincere attitude of worship. It is an honor to have them share their ministry with us [at EMU],” she added.
Songs of Solomon will also sing in the chapel service 10 a.m. that day in Lehman Auditorium.
Admission to the concert, sponsored by campus ministries and multicultural services at EMU, is $5 at the door. Advance tickets are also available from the multicultural services office in the University Commons. For more information, call 540-432-4458.