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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Irving Chorale Kicks Off 2007-2008 Concert Season with Gospel Music Free Concert Featuring Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass IRVING, TX (September 12, 2007) – The Irving Chorale of Irving, Texas, will begin their 2007-2008 concert season with a free concert featuring Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass on Sunday, October 21, 2007, at 6 p.m. at Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving. In the spirit of the Chorale’s traditional "stained glass series" season opener, held at a different church in Irving each year, this performance will feature a variety of spirituals, gospel songs, and hymns. “This concert will showcase the variety of artistic talent in our community choir,” explains the Chorale’s Artistic Director Harry Wooten. "The great gospel choirs have paved the road for groups like ours who want to pay homage to the deep gospel sounds alive today. The unique setting of the mass, along with the hymns and spirituals, will truly be a delight to all." Accompanying the Chorale will be a small jazz ensemble. Robert Ray’s Gospel Mass was composed in 1978 and is an interpretation of two thousand years of liturgical tradition with the more contemporary music of the African-American Church. It was written while Ray was a liturgy team member of the National Office of Black Catholics. The Gospel Mass was created out of a need from these workshops, has become a standard part of the choral repertoire, and is performed by churches, colleges, universities, orchestras and civic choral groups both nationally and internationally. According to Hal Leonard Publications, publisher of Gospel Mass, this body of work is now categorized as a "classic" due to its continued sales in both national and international markets. “I can’t think of a better way to begin a new year than with a performance of this variety,” says Laura Sanner, the Chorale’s new President. “We’d like to thank the community and Arts Center that support us by offering this free concert to the public to celebrate twenty-one wonderful years in Irving.” Plymouth Park Baptist Church is located at 1714 North Story Road, Irving, Texas, 75061. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. before the event. About the Irving Chorale After a triumphant 20th anniversary season, the Irving Chorale plans its 21st season to be every bit as memorable. This talented group of 80 singers, under the direction of Harry Wooten, is comprised of music professionals, as well as skilled amateurs from Irving and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The Irving Chorale contributes to the establishment of the city of Irving as a center of cultural experience throughout its concert season. The Chorale is a volunteer 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which is funded in part by the City of Irving and the Irving Arts Center. The group meets once a week for rehearsals and is always looking for new talent to audition. To learn more about the Irving Chorale, including how to book the group for private performances, visit their website at www.irvingchorale.org. CONTACT: Rachael Bourque Vice President 214.886.3784 Website: http://www.irvingchorale.org ##
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