Among the most active and renowned choirs of the American gospel scene, the Virginia State Gospel Choir performs in a concert that mixes gospel, spirituals, blues and even traditional African music, ready to excite us thanks to the energy and extraordinary talent of its thirty choristers.
Founded in 1971, the choir is made up of young music graduates of Virginia University and top-level soloists from the most select musical backgrounds. Its international success came in 1992 when James Holden became its artistic director: since then with its concerts it has crossed the United States and then also achieved enormous success in Europe. Subsequently, the choir was enriched by the presence of an exceptional musician: Perry Evans, who guided the choir towards new and renewed levels of quality. In 2003, it won no less than eleven of the thirteen categories competing at the National Black Music Caucus Choir Competition, the prestigious New York gospel contest. In 2012, it received the audience award at Verizon's How Sweet The Sound and, in 2013, its participation in America's Got Talent thrilled millions of viewers. Over the years, the Virginia State Gospel Choir has shared the stage with such notable artistes as Cheryl “CoCo” Clemons of the R&B group SWV, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Earnest Pugh, Hezekiah Walker, JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, and the poet Nikki Giovanni.
Under the expert guidance of Perry Evans, the Virginia State Gospel Choir, albeit with deep roots in traditional gospel music, performs in a young and modern show, in which the engaging choreography, elegance and style are just as important as the sung themes and vocality. Magnificent voices, which have learned to merge and support each other, reaching a very rare force of impact and a musical balance of great artistic depth. Its repertoire offers a gospel strongly influenced by Afro-American sounds, rhythm & blues and soul that will bring the audience into an atmosphere that combines spirituality and rhythm, religious sentiment and, simply, joie de vivre.
