American Spiritual Ensemble Performs September 26

SALISBURY, MD---Created in the fields and plantation houses of the old South, the spiritual allowed slaves to secretly communicate through singing.

That musical art form returns to Salisbury on Saturday, September 26, as the American Spiritual Ensemble performs 7:30 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, back by popular demand. The world-renowned singing group, which last performed in Salisbury in February to a sold-out house and standing ovations, includes Salisbury University music faculty John Wesley Wright.

The ensemble also hosts master classes for SU voice students 12:30-1:45 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, September 22 and 24, in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Admission to the master class is free, and the public is invited.

Founded by Dr. Everett McCorvey in 1995, the ensemble strives to keep the tradition of American Negro spirituals alive. It has performed throughout the world, including such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan and New York City operas. It also has been broadcast as part of the PBS documentary The Spirituals.

The Asbury concert is sponsored by The Peter and Judy Jackson Music Performance Fund; SU President Janet Dudley-Eshbach; Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Diane Allen; Dean Maarten Pereboom of the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts; Dean Dennis Pataniczek of the Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies; the SU Foundation, Inc.; and the Salisbury Wicomico Arts Council.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and SU faculty with ID, $5 for SU and non-SU students with ID. To reserve tickets call the Department of Music 410-548-2985 or Asbury United Methodist Church at 410-749-2131. For more information visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu/.