SpelHouse Tabernacle Choir Report
On the evening of Wednesday, September 11th, the Spelman College and Morehouse College choirs had the honor of performing alongside the Tabernacle Choir at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. The event showcased individual performances by each choir, followed by a powerful joint rendition of the classic “Georgia on My Mind,” with lyrics by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell.
The Morehouse College Glee Club initially opened the program beginning with a stirring selection, “Great and Glorious” composed by the renowned Austrian maestro, Franz Joseph Haydn. Known as one of the most important musical figures in shaping the development of classical music during the 18th century, Haydn is often referred to as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet”. Following the first selection, the Morehouse College Glee Club then performed “I Ain’t Weary Yet – African American Spiritual” arranged by Courtney Carey. I really enjoyed the selection of the two pieces together as both, despite their different historical and cultural contexts, offer an uplifting, spiritually enriching experience through their distinct yet complementary approaches to faith and perseverance. Together, these songs highlight the universality of faith across different cultures and eras, blending the European classical tradition with the raw emotional depth of African American spirituals.
Following the Morehouse College Glee Club, was the Spelman College Glee Club performing “Wade in The Water” arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson, an African American Spiritual, which was performed in a unique upbeat tempo. Next was “Children Go Where I Stand” arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson and “A Choice To Change the World” by Kevin Phillip Johnson. I also enjoyed the selection of these three songs as they are all deeply rooted in religious themes, reflecting the legacy of African American spirituals and gospel music. “A Choice to Change the World,” while more contemporary, carries forward the tradition of Spelman College’s call for action in the context of gospel music, specifically advocating for social justice and empowerment through faith.
This performance deeply resonated with me as it exemplified the unification of Black and white cultures through a shared mission of spreading the gospel. It also showcased a meaningful gesture of inclusion from the Mormon Church, highlighting its commitment to bridging historical divides, especially given the church’s past marginalization of Black people. This demonstration of unity reflects a significant step toward reconciliation and mutual respect.
