American Spiritual Ensemble Performs At Wheaton College

The American Spiritual Ensemble, a critically acclaimed professional group of classical singers, brings its vocal styling to Chicago’s western suburbs on Saturday, January 20th with a performance at the Wheaton College Artist Series.

The internationally renowned group has thrilled audiences across the country and across the globe with its dynamic performances of classic American Negro spirituals, jazz numbers and Broadway favorites.

“The American Spiritual Ensemble embodies the caliber and diversity of musicians we welcome to the Wheaton College Artist Series stage,” said Tony Payne, Artist Series general manager. “We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and enjoy selections from a variety of African-American composers.”

The Artist Series dates back to 1950 and has brought countless international, national and Chicago-based entertainers to DuPage County. Concerts are held at Wheaton College’s Edman Chapel, a welcoming venue close to home that allows guests to experience warm hospitality with great music at a great value.

One of five Artist Series main events this season, the American Spiritual Ensemble was founded in 1995 by Dr. Everett McCorvey. A tenor soloist, Dr. McCorvey has performed all over the world, including at the Kennedy Center, Metropolitan Opera, Radio City Music Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall in London. He also is a professor of voice, the director and executive producer of the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, artistic director for the National Chorale, and president of an event production and management company.

Dr. McCorvey created the American Spiritual Ensemble to honor the American Negro Spiritual and pay tribute to a musical genre that has defined America. Comprised of world-class soloists from opera, Broadway and gospel, the group performs hauntingly beautiful and poignant melodies along with up-tempo songs of praise and glory with incomparable energy and passion. The ensemble has toured the U.S. as well as the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Spain, Japan, and South America.

Like all Artist Series concerts, the American Spiritual Ensemble show on Saturday, January 20th is open to the public and begins at 7:30 p.m. Concert goers also are encouraged to attend Grace Notes, a preshow talk given by the artist that begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the American Spiritual Ensemble performance—as well as future Wheaton College Artist Series concerts—are on sale now and are available up to show time as demand allows. General admission seating is $45. Seniors receive a $5 discount and student tickets are just $10. Discounted tickets also are available for groups of 20 or more. Tickets can be purchased by phone, online or on-site.

The Wheaton College Ticket Office is located on the first floor of the Student Services Building, next to the Wheaton College Bookstore, at 418 N. Chase Street. Ticket Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Edman Chapel Box Office opens at 6:15 p.m. on concert nights.

Edman Chapel is located at 401 E. Franklin Street (corner of Washington and Franklin) in Wheaton. Free parking is available in the lot on the north side of the chapel. Additional remote parking with free shuttle service to the chapel is available at the Billy Graham Center on College Avenue.

To reserve a seat for American Spiritual Ensemble or any Wheaton College Artist Series performance, visit www.ArtistSeries.org or call (630) 752-5010.