(2.18) The public is invited to a free concert of spirituals, Sunday afternoon at the Beneficent Congregational Church. The Beneficent Choir and Friends will perform ‘Music from the African Diaspora,’ a musical journey featuring the spirituals that have sustained African-Americans throughout the American experience. Highlights will include illustrations of indigenous dialects, harmonies and call-and-response.
The choir will be led by Earnest Cox, the Beneficent minister of music, who began directing church choirs at the age of 12!
Earnest Cox, a native of Mississippi, started singing in his local church choir at the age of 9 and directing church choirs at the age of 12. His formal piano training started at the age of 10 and by 15 he had received a superior rating in piano during the Mississippi state piano competitions. Upon completion of high school, Mr. Cox attended Tougaloo College where he served as a member and section leader for the concert choir, directed the gospel choir, and served as chapel musician. Mr. Cox started his formal organ training at Tougaloo College under the tutelage of Dr. Roy Stillwell.
Reception to follow concert.
Free, 3pm, Sunday, February 18, Beneficent Church, 300 Weybosset Street, (directions)