The transformative power of gospel music was clearly evident at the LSO Symphonic Gospel Celebration on Sunday 9th November at The Barbican. LSO Associate Artist, guest Conductor André J. Thomas has many accolades to his name for good reason, as he took the audience on an unforgettable journey into gospel music, infused with sound, colour, history, emotion and most importantly, hope.
Symphonic Gospel began with a mass choir performance of ‘Heaven’ with beautiful soprano NaGuanda Nobles supported by more than 250 singers from LSO Community Voices, Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir and the London Symphony Chorus (see picture). The sheer joy of singing uplifting songs of praise was evident from the elated faces of singers with their hearts and souls clearly connecting with the music, not only their vocal chords. Bathed in such glorious music generated by a mass choir and symphony orchestra of around 80 instruments was an experience of a lifetime. It certainly felt like a little slice of heaven!
Highlights included the powerful soulful voice of soloist Lurine Cato MBE, bringing life to ‘High & Lifted Up’ which had the audience fully engaged, if it weren’t for the formidable surroundings of a classical concert hall there would have been some impromptu dancing. Another powerful moment that had everyone present wrapped in a deep feeling of being held was NaGuanda Nobles singing ‘Safety’. The reverence was palpable.
A pleasant surprise was Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir doing such a polished performance of ‘The Blessing’ during their set that there really wasn’t anything left to perceivably improve on; they nailed it. The young tenor who stepped forward as soloist sang at just the right pitch and tone – he carried the song without overpowering the choir or getting lost amidst the voices. Amen, a blessing indeed!
Masterfully put together, Symphonic Gospel Celebration was a world class production, a show that offered something for everyone in the audience regardless of age, background or musical preference. It turned a dark and dreary November evening into something filled with light, hope and joy, a feeling that carried through well into the next week. The exciting news is that the concert was also the launch of a NEW album “Shout for Joy” conducted by André J. Thomas, featuring the LSO (London Symphony Orchestra), Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir, Lurine Cato & Evvie McKinney which is out now on all streaming platforms. Definitely a must listen – you might just find yourself giving a ‘Shout for Joy’!
