York University gospel choir brings new spirit to campus with debut concert

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TORONTO, November 23, 2005 -- The York University Gospel Choir, directed by Karen Burke, will lift its voice with unabashed spirit in its debut concert at York on November 29.

Accompanied by a live rhythm section, the choir will perform favourites from contemporary gospel artists such as Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary. The evening will also feature guest hip-hop dance troupe DFC, directed by third-year York music student Nathan Gerber.

Simple, yet profound, gospel music is compelling and the message is clear. This rich choral form, rooted in African-American culture, contains a lyrical theme of praise, hope and encouragement. Today’s contemporary gospel music has an urban feel to it, combining traditional gospel concepts with hip-hop rhythms, R & B balladry, reggae and Caribbean folk.

“Gospel music has such great energy,” said Burke. “It’s more than just singing. It’s inspirational music that makes you feel good.”

Burke joined the full-time faculty in York’s Music Department this summer to teach jazz vocals and lead the newly-established Gospel Choir. She brings to her position extensive experience as a music director, performer and composer. As an authority on the history and performance practices of Gospel music, she has worked with major choral ensembles and organizations including the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and Youth Choir, Toronto Choral Society and Ontario Choral Federation, as well as numerous schools and church congregations. In 1988, she co-founded the Juno Award-winning Toronto Mass Choir (TMC) and continues to serve as their principal director, touring nationally and internationally. A prolific composer and arranger of Gospel repertoire, she has written many original songs, including some for TMC’s new CD, titled The Live Experience, slated for release November 25. Her work on the concert stage and in the recording studio includes collaborations with such leading lights as Alvin Slaughter, Jean Ashworth Bartle and Jackie Richardson. For 12 years, she performed and recorded with her own group, the Gospel quartet Sweet Sound.

The 19-member Gospel Choir is the latest addition to York’s rich jazz and vocal music programs, which also boast four jazz choirs, four choirs devoted to classical music, and a world music chorus.

The Gospel Choir takes the stage Tues. Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in McLaughlin Performance Hall, York University, 4700 Keele Street. Admission is $10 and $5 for students and seniors.  For more information, call 416-736-5186.

 

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Media contact:

Mary-Lou Schagena, Communications, Faculty of Fine Arts, York University, 416-736-2100, ext. 20421 / schagena@yorku.ca

York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city.  The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 60,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 190,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 faculties and 21 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries.  This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.