Gospel Night at Pops 2024
Lead Season Sponsor
Program
- Saturday, June 8, 2024, 7:30pm
Saturday evening's performance is generously supported by BSO Business Partner Arthur J. Hurley Company, Inc.
BOSTON POPS ESPLANADE ORCHESTRA
CHARLES FLOYD conducting
THE 30TH ANNUAL GOSPEL NIGHT AT POPS
Jubilee from Symphonic Sketches
Chadwick
Caravan
Ellington—arr. Edmar Colón
BALLA KOUYATÉ, balafon
with Edmar Colón, David Antonio Rosado, Jeriel Sanjurjo Rodríguez, and Jorge Santiago Arce, percussion
Presenting
TAKE 6
Claude McKnight | Mark Kibble | Joel Kibble | Dave Thomas | Alvin Chea | Khristian Dentley
Selections to be announced from the stage
INTERMISSION
Presenting
THE BOSTON POPS GOSPEL CHOIR
Mark Copeland, piano | Sam Joseph, bass | Dennis Montgomery III, organ | Sean Skeete, drums | Bro. Dennis L. Slaughter, Artistic Director | Norris V. Welch, Choir Manager
All Praise
C. Isaiah Smith—orch. Charles Floyd
KATANI SUMNER, soloist
Hallelujah, You’re Worthy
Judith Christie McAllister/Steven Taylor—orch. Charles Floyd
RAY MARTIN, soloist
Lord, You’re Great
Michael Lampkin/Ricky Dillard—orch. Charles Floyd
IDA KAMRARA, soloist
When I Think
Richard Smallwood/Ricky Dillard—orch. Charles Floyd
Wonderful Is Your Name/I’m So Thankful (Medley)
Melvin Crispell III/Walter Hawkins—orch. Charles Floyd
BRITTANY WELLS and LORAINE ADEYEMI, soloists
Zion Rejoice
Joseph Pace II—orch. Charles Floyd
SHERYLYNN SEALY, soloist
I Can Go to God in Prayer
Albertina Walker—orch. Charles Floyd
SUZANNE BUELL, SHARON MOLDEN, and MILDRED WALKER, soloists
Thank you with great appreciation to Suzanne Buell, Sharon Molden, Mildred E. Walker, Nichelle Mungo, and Troy Byner.
Please silence your electronic devices. Photography, audio, and video recording are prohibited during the performance.
The Boston Pops welcomes: Harvard Outings & Innings; MIT Activities Committee; Sharon Molden; Glory Wideman-Hughes
30th Anniversary Gospel Night at Pops
Program Notes by Bro. Dennis L. Slaughter
Welcome to the 30th Anniversary Gospel Night at Pops!
We are delighted to have you join us for this special celebration, a night that marks three decades of joyous and inspiring gospel music at Symphony Hall. Tonight’s program is not only a tribute to the rich history and profound impact of gospel music but also a component of a larger effort to bring greater diversity to the stage and the audience of Symphony Hall. Tonight’s concert will feature a selection of gospel classics and contemporary pieces, showcasing the versatility and emotional depth of the genre. The collaboration between the orchestra, Take 6, and the Boston Pops Gospel Choir promises to deliver a powerful and uplifting experience.
About Gospel Music
Gospel music is a genre deeply rooted in American history. It has its origins in the spirituals sung by enslaved Africans brought to America. The spirituals, as an expression of faith of the Africans, were borne out of the Christian belief system that they were taught during the first great religious movement in the United States, the Great Awakening in the early 1700s. The Great Awakening had origins in New England with its leader, evangelical preacher, Jonathan Edwards (1703-58).* Musicians and theologians such as Isaac Watts (1674-1748), John Wesley (1703-91), and Charles Wesley (1707-88), surfaced and produced, for this movement, hundreds of hymns and spiritual songs. Many of these hymns possess the theological basis of the Christian faith. It is common to identify influences of those hymns carried forward in contemporary Christian music. Over the years, spirituals have evolved stylistically and have influenced a myriad of other musical styles, including jazz, blues, rock, and R&B. Interestingly, these various genres have also returned the favor and have influenced spirituals. The current iteration is known as Gospel Music. The powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics of gospel music have provided comfort, hope, and a sense of community, resonating across cultural and religious boundaries. We are honored to continue carrying this tradition forward with tonight’s program.
* Horace Clarence Boyer, How Sweet the Sound: The Golden Age of Gospel (Washington, DC: Elliott & Clark Publishing, 1995), 6.
Tonight’s Special Guests
- Take 6 - The Boston Pops is honored to welcome the Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6. Known for their sophisticated harmonies and soulful performances, Take 6 has captivated audiences worldwide with their unique blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop.
- Boston Pops Gospel Choir - joining the Boston Pops orchestra on stage tonight is the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, a dynamic group that embodies the spirit of gospel music through their passionate and uplifting performances. Their voices—all local talent in the Greater Boston area—are a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire.
Our Conductor: Charles Floyd
Leading tonight’s concert is the outstanding conductor and arranger Charles Floyd. Renowned for his versatility and dedication to music education, Floyd has made significant contributions to both classical and gospel music. His expertise and passion ensure an unforgettable evening of music that transcends boundaries and celebrates the human spirit.
Diversity and Inclusion
Gospel Night at Pops is more than just a concert; it is a celebration of diversity and inclusion. By bringing gospel music to the symphony stage, we aim to broaden our musical repertoire and welcome new audiences to Symphony Hall. We believe that music is a universal language that can bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of community.
Conclusion
As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gospel Night at Pops, we reflect on the profound impact that gospel music has had on American culture and beyond. We are grateful for your presence and support as we continue to honor this rich musical tradition. Sit back, relax, and let the uplifting sounds of gospel music fill your hearts and souls.
Thank you for joining us for this special evening. Enjoy the concert!
—Bro. Dennis L. Slaughter, Artistic Director, Boston Pops Gospel Choir
Artists
Gospel Night 2024 Soloists
The Boston Pops and Symphony Hall major corporate sponsorships reflect the increasing importance of alliance between business and the arts. The Boston Pops is honored to be associated with the following companies and gratefully acknowledges their partnership. For information regarding BSO, Boston Pops, and/or Tanglewood sponsorship opportunities, contact Joan Jolley, Director of Corporate Partnerships, at (617) 638-9279 or jjolley@bso.org.
Boston Pops Major Corporate Sponsors, 2023-24 Season
