Gospel Choir sings out
The Butler County Symphony Orchestra at its Feb. 13 concert will feature the Pittsburgh Gospel Choir.
The symphony, under the direction of conductor Elisabeth Heath-Charles, will present its "Shout America" concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the auditorium of Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road.
Following this concert season's theme of "The Dream of America," the orchestra will explore the dreams, talents and cultural heritage of composers, musicians and others who migrated to America.
The February concert celebrates the contributions that jazz and gospel have made to music in America.
The Pittsburgh Gospel Choir, led by Herbert V.R.P. Jones, artistic director, is an ensemble intended to connect participants of all ethnicities and ages, while acting as a conduit for the history of gospel music.
The orchestra will perform a new work by John Harbison, "Mary Lou," a work commissioned by the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and first performed May 3, 2009.This work is a tribute to Mary Lou Williams, a jazz pianist who grew up in East Liberty and is known as "the mother of bebop." The orchestra will also perform music by Elmer Bernstein from the movie "To Kill a Mockingbird," based on the novel about racial injustice.Also recognized at this concert will be seventh through 12th graders from Butler County who have been named Young Musicians of Note. The students were selected by their teachers based on their interest in music.Reserved seats are $15 for adults and $5 for students and are available at the symphony office, 259 S. Main St. At the door, adult tickets will be $18.For more information, call 724-283-1402 or visit the Web site, www.butlersymphony.org or send e-mail to butlersymphony@zoominternet.net.
