CHESTERTOWN, MD—As part of the Washington College “Premier Artists” Concert Series, the American Spiritual Ensemble will perform Wednesday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Gibson Center for the Arts. Individual tickets are $20 (adults) and $15 (non-WC College Students, WC Faculty/Staff, & Seniors over age 65). Washington College students and youth 18 and under will be admitted free.  

A professional group of 20 classical vocalists, the American Spiritual Ensemble has performed more than 80 concerts in venues that include the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, and the Houston Grand Opera, as well as locations in Europe, South America, and Spain. Many of the group’s vocalists are soloists in their own right and have released numerous records. Renowned Italian pianist Tedrin Blair Lindsay accompanies the group. 

The ensemble’s dynamic performances run the gamut from classic spirituals to jazz and Broadway numbers that highlight the Black experience. One mission is to keep the American Negro spiritual alive. 

Everett McCorvey is founder and music director of the American Spiritual Ensemble.Vocal artist Everett McCorvey founded the American Spiritual Ensemble in 1995.  A native of Montgomery, he holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Alabama and is Professor of Voice and Director of Opera at the University of Kentucky. Each summer he travels to Graz, Austria to be part of the artist faculty for the American Institute of Musical Study. He has performed as a tenor soloist at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, and in more than eight countries. 

The February 11 event is co-sponsored by the generous support of the Black Studies Program, the Department of Music, the C.V. Starr Center for the American Experience, the Hedgelawn Foundation, the Kent County Arts Council, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Phi Beta Kappa, and the William James Forum.  

A reception will be provided during intermission and following the performance. The Gibson Center for the Arts is located on the College campus, 300 Washington Ave. For information on the full Washington College Concert Series and for tickets, visit washcoll.edu/concert.

The day prior to the concert, Feb. 10, members of the ensemble will hold a master class/workshop at 5 p.m. at Bethel AME Church for Washington College students and members of the Kent County community. To reserve a place in the master class/workshop, contact Leslie Prince Raimond at 410-708-0798 or kentcountyartscouncil@verizon.net.

– Catalina Righter ’17