Celebrations take many forms of expression. Darin Atwater’s Soulful Symphony bestows upon its performers and audiences a great gift of rich and diverse African-American vocal traditions.
“The Symphony and gospel music in general gives [people] a sense of hope and what it is to be an American and to celebrate in diversity who we are,” said Atwater, composer, founder and artistic director of Soulful Symphony.
This weekend, Atwater’s own ensemble of 60 musicians, guest soloist Donnie McClurkin and a chorus of 30 voices will open its 2008-2009 season at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the Music Center at Strathmore.
In partnership with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Soulful Symphony reprises last season’s sell-out gospel program, “Say Amen Somebody” featuring all new music and arrangements and headlined by gospel great McClurkin.
The evening’s repertoire includes such choral favorites as “Hallelujah to the King,” “Set Me Free” and “Days of Elijah.” McClurkin will solo on “Song of Moses,” “I Call You Faithful,” “Church Medley” and “Stand.”
“Gospel speaks to the experience of reaching for something higher than ourselves,” Atwater continued. “It explores a faith in something bigger than we are to buoy us through life.”
Founded in 2000, Soulful Symphony dedicates itself to the presentation of American vernacular music, exploring such musical genres as classical, jazz, gospel and popular forms revealing a universal language that gives all cultures common ground.
Since partnering with the BSO in 2004, Atwater (regarded as one of the leading artists of his generation with both a national and international following) and Soulful Symphony, consistently perform to sold-out houses. Additionally, Atwater appears regularly with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis as both guest conductor and composer.
Mezzo-soprano, Cynthia Renee has been a member of Soulful Symphony since its inception. She considers it a privilege to work with Atwater.
“Refreshing is the first thing that comes to mind,” she said. He inspires us because he is so inspired.”
Renee notes that “Hallelujah to the King” is her favorite gospel hymn and a great show opener because it is so celebratory and upbeat.
Atwater, humble and unassuming, feels that through Soulful Symphony he and his group have “de-mystified all the dos and don’ts of what you can do in a concert hall.”
IF YOU GO
Soulful Symphony: Say Amen Somebody
Time: 8 p.m. today
Venue: The Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane
North Bethesda
Time: 8 p.m. Saturday
Venue: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
1212 Cathedral Street, Baltimore
Tickets: $20 to $55
Info: 410-783-8000; bsomusic.org
