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Soulful Symphony Takes it to Church
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I wasn’t sure what to expect when I suggested to a friend that we check out the African American, Baltimore based orchestra, Soulful Symphony at the Music Center at Strathmore. So imagine my surprise when midway through the show I found myself singing, clapping, and kicking my shoes off so I could dance!
Soulful Symphony’s Say Amen Somebody concert featured more than just a full orchestra. There was also a full gospel choir, a performance by renowned gospel singer and composer Donald Lawrence and lots of soul! Conducted by founder and artistic director Darian Atwater, the first half of the show was filled with traditional and contemporary gospel songs with several choir members showcasing their vocal talent with amazing solo performances. The second half of the show featured the dynamic Donald Lawrence singing his original compositions.
Gospel music, a genre already packed with power sounded even more powerful when done by a full orchestra. Atwater’s true gift was his ability to fuse some untraditional orchestra instruments (a bass guitarr for instance) with the more traditional and make it sound authentic and fresh. By the end of the show most of the audience was on its feet, clapping, rocking and having church!
This 2008-09 Soulful Symphony season begins in October and will perform three major concerts: Say Amen Somebody, is this Friday Oct. 24 at 8 pm, and will feature gospel giant Donnie McClurkin; Soulful Sings, a night of vocal powerhouses and music ranging from arias to spirituals is next April; and the Motown Sound , a night of toe tappin' oldies but goodies, is next May. Check out any of these shows and go prepared to have your soul stirred.
For more info: Friday, Oct. 24, Say Amen Somebody featuring Donnie McClurkin, Time: 8 p.m. Ticket Cost: $25-$55 Music Center at Strathmore 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 (301) 581-5100
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