MUSIC

Houston Ebony Opera presents The Annual African American Music Gala - A Concert of Works by Black Composers, 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 26 and 4 p.m., Sunday, February 27 at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue at San Jacinto.

To the Hills—Choral Spirituals is the inspiring title of the 2011 AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC GALA. Under the baton of internationally acclaimed guest conductor, Dr. Barbara W. Baker, (pictured) the concert will feature works by contemporary Black composers including Moses Hogan, Adolph us Hailstork, Rosephane Powell, Glenn Burleigh and others.

Spirituals have been described as the “one articulate message” slaves gave to the world. Encapsulating the hopes and fears, dreams and beliefs that enabled many African Americans to survive the cruel realities of slavery, many early spirituals were based upon a back-and-forth exchange between a leader and the rest of the singers. By the 20thcentury, a more formal concert tradition began to evolve based on original slave melodies.

These February 2011 programs are sponsored by Friends of Houston Ebony Opera Guild with the generous support of St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Religion and Arts Council of Christ Church Cathedral, and KUHF Radio.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 713-335-3800.