Gospel Fusion

The Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin (CAS) will present Gospel Fusion on Saturday, October 18th, 7PM at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Avenue in Racine. This fantastic collaboration will kick off CAS’s 39th season of presenting high-quality, innovative choral programs.

Gospel Fusion is a performance you do not want to miss! The late composer Glenn Burleigh and the CAS have a 35-year history of electrifying performances. In a unique fusion of classical, gospel, jazz and contemporary styles, Alpha Mass weaves the traditional into the extraordinary. Let the Choral Arts Society, the Greater Mount Eagle Praise Ensemble, and a thrilling gospel trio—D’AYCH & The Next Level Band—touch your soul!

This concert continues the new CAS initiative, Guest Youth Artists, showcasing emerging high school musicians along with the chorus. The CAS’s commissioned composition by Carthage College’s Margaret Burk—“Happy Are Those Who Sing With All Their Heart”—will conclude this unforgettable evening.

CAS Founder, Artistic Director, and Conductor, James Schatzman, notes, “Glenn Burleigh’s music occupies a unique niche in American music. As a renowned composer of gospel music and a skilled concert pianist, Alpha Mass presents a remarkable synthesis of contemporary gospel sounds and classical forms. In this highly unique work, Glenn blends the historic prayers and structures of the ancient church and the thrilling sounds and musical forms of the modern African American gospel music. There is nothing else like it!”

Also on this program is Burleigh’s award-winning gospel song, “Order My Steps,” which was named the Song of the Year by the Texas Gospel Music Awards in 1994, was nominated for a Dove Award in 1995, and was recorded by the famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

Included with Admission is a pre-concert event from 5:45-6:30PM: “Harmonious Reunion,” a panel discussion with Gospel Fusion Guest Artists.

Tickets: Adult/Senior $25, Student $15. Advance tickets are available at Personal Touch by Julie Florist in Racine – 5445 Spring Street – with cash or check or online at www.choralartsonline.org. To contact the Choral Arts Society, email admin@cassewi.org or call (262) 634-3250. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.

This season is supported in part by a grant from the Racine Community Foundation, a grant from the Racine Arts Council’s ArtSeed Grant Program funded by the Racine Arts Council and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin, a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the generous support of individual donors and private foundations.