Carol Allen says it is an answer to prayer that this concert came up at just the right time. The collection of spiritual and gospel works was initially intended to comfort, uplift and encourage. And because it was delayed by COVID-19 for a full year, it’s true meaning is even more profound as the community collectively comes out of the shadow of the pandemic.
During her interview on the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay, Director Allen stressed the power which music, especially choral singing, has upon the human ear and heart. Unlike solo singing where attention is on a single voice, the shared singing of a group of voices in ranges of soprano, alto, tenor and bass relays the meaning and tone of lyrics in a totally unique way. “The lyrics are how we tell ourselves who we each are as a believer” stated Carol. The 65-voice North East Texas Choral Society of men and women of all ages has been rehearsing weekly and is now putting the polish on the foundation hymns, gospel songs, sacred praise and rousing spirituals which were prayerfully selected for this concert. Audiences will know many of these. Titles include “My God is a Rock”, “Down to the River to Pray”, “Bound for Glory”, “Guide Me, Oh My Great Jehovah” and many more. Marlon Chisum with the Men’s Chorus will be featured in “I Know I’ve Been Changed”. A medley of “Lean on Me/Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and of course, the hand-clapping “I’ll Fly Away” will be presented for everyone to enjoy. Expect 90 minutes of exciting music with a brief intermission. Purchase tickets from any Choral Society member, at local banks, online at singerscount,org or at the door. There will be two performances only : 7pm on Saturday June 12 and 2pm Sunday June 13, 2021 in the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium (formerly called the Civic Center auditorium).
