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Black History Month Celebration Concert: A Journey Through Classical, Spiritual, and Gospel Music
Bishop Janes United Methodist Church will present an extraordinary Black History Month celebration concert featuring internationally acclaimed soprano Angela Watson and distinguished pianist George Francois on Saturday, February 22, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The concert will showcase the rich musical heritage of the African diaspora, from classical compositions to spirituals and gospel music.
The 90-minute program will be presented in two parts. The first half will feature classical works by African diasporic composers, while the second half will include Black History songs, spirituals, and gospel music, offering audiences a comprehensive journey through Black musical traditions.
Angela Watson, whose performances have been praised as "sultry and timeless" with a "magic voice" by European critics, brings her extensive experience in opera, concert recital, musical theater, jazz, and R&B to the stage. Watson has collaborated with renowned artists such as Josh Groban and Patti LaBelle and has appeared on Saturday Night Live and Jazz at Lincoln Center. She is the founder and Artistic Director of Negritude Theater Company, which has garnered critical acclaim in Houston and New York.
George Francois, a Juilliard-trained pianist known for his mastery across classical, gospel, and jazz genres, has performed extensively throughout Ghana, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Caribbean. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Center for African Popular Music Culture at Ashesi University in Ghana. His distinguished collaborative partners have included poet Rita Dove and violinist Rachel Barton Pine.
The concert will be held in the church sanctuary at 22 S Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge, NJ. Tickets are available at the door: $20 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children under 10 years old.
Bring your friends and family to experience this powerful celebration of Black musical excellence in our community. For more information about the concert, please contact the church office at 908-766-1108 or visit bjumc.org.
