In a show that sold-out almost as soon as it was announced, few were disappointed by the headlining performance of the Grammy Award winning group Take 6 Thursday night at Powell Hall for the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus annual Gospel Christmas concert. Well, perhaps except those hoping for their breakthrough hit “Spread Love” during the encore.
With harmonies even more crisp live than on their recordings, they blended own signature songs with a medley of holiday classics that were well performed and well received.
But what stood out for this year’s offering of the annual performance that has become a staple of the St. Louis holiday season musical festivities was the show’s intention to highlight the works of black composers – which included native St. Louisans.
Before the start of the show, a slideshow featuring images of late 19th century and early 20th century composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and contemporary composer Jeffery Ames. Coleridge-Taylor’s “Christmas Overture” performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra opened this year’s presentation. IN UNISON joined them for Ames’ “A Festive Praise.” The choir’s director Kevin McBeth also served as conductor for the concert.
IN UNISON director emeritus Robert Ray’s composition “He Never Failed Me Yet,” a favorite selection of gospel choirs around the country – and the world – was also featured. Ray is the founding director of IN UNISON – which is currently celebrating its 25th season milestone.
When the Symphony’s string section started with the introductory notes of “…And He Blessed My Soul” – which are typically performed as piano chords – The applause began before soloist Randall McGee started singing.
Originally recorded by gospel group Chris and Kyle with True Spirit, the song was written by Anita Watkins-Stevens, a renowned local musician within the faith community who also serves as a musical director for New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church.
The symphony’s care and intention to the orchestral elements blended with the spirit-filled soulful singing of McGee and the choir on a composition by a black woman from St. Louis spoke to the power of music. Yes, the elements of sounds can be so beautiful as to evoke emotion and lift spirits – but just as impactful as the art itself, music builds bridges and connects communities, which was especially evident during “…And He Blessed My Soul.” As the choir, composer and orchestra operated as one voice, the diverse audience was able to find a piece of themselves in the performance – and witness cooperative creativity and unity at the highest level as the collaborative effort commanded an extended standing ovation.
St. Louisan Malcolm Speed also arranged a pair of selections from the evening’s performance, including the crowd favorite “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” that featured soprano soloist Karen Hylton.
After a performance of “Hallelujah” from “Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration” – which has become an In Unison Gospel Christmas standard – Take 6 returned to perform “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Mary,” “Bless This House and “Over the Hill is Home.”
For more information on St. Louis Symphony’s In Unison Chorus, including their annual “Lift Every Voice” Black History Month concert and programming related to their 25th Anniversary season-long celebration – which culminates with a performance in May, 2019, visit https://www.slso.org/en/musicians/choruses/in-unison/ or call (314) 533-2500.
