Over the past 25 years, Boston Pops Gospel Night has stood the test of time as a glorious and revered annual tradition. An illuminated brass backdrop, shining music notes, and a floating, celluloid film strip adorned the Symphony Hall stage while an enthusiastic crowd filed in for this highly-anticipated, one night only, 25th anniversary event.
Each year, Gospel Night features a special blend of acclaimed musical guests, a variety of beloved and new songs from the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, and memorable performances. With multiple Grammy Award-winning singer CeCe Winans, a resounding, patriotic, monumental speech about freedom and peace, and rousing performances from the Boston Pops Gospel Choir, the Boston Pops Gospel Night has certainly outdone itself. It’s an annual concert with toe tapping reverence and a spirited finale that always brings the audience to its feet. Click here for more information on the Boston Pops, upcoming events, and more.
Warmly greeting the crowd and the orchestra was accomplished conductor, pianist, and composer Charles Floyd, who has been conducting Gospel Night for the past 23 years. Click here for a closer look at Charles Floyd and his career. Distinguished looking in a white tuxedo with black pants and a bow tie, Charles Floyd gave an appreciative wave before opening the 25th anniversary concert with Aaron Copland’s spirited Fanfare for the Common Man, as horns blared distinct and clear. It was a mix of tender, powerful, and upbeat melodies that included Bach’s Little Fugue in G Minor and Chadwick’s Jubilee, which culminated into a vigorous finish and wondrous applause.
Gospel Night also recognized what would have been the recent 100th birthday of the late President John F. Kennedy by paying tribute to him and also honoring award-winning conductor, John Williams, who was the subject of this year’s Boston Pops season. Young and naturally charismatic Reverend Thomas Crowley who is Senior Pastor of Myrtle Baptist Church, passionately delivered JFK’s famous inaugural address, “Let the Word Go Forth,” a stirring and thrilling speech which remains especially prevalent today. The audience was captivated as the Reverend spoke of freedom, peace, ambition, and achieving the American ideal of brotherhood as musical excerpts of John Williams film score, JFK and Celebration 2000: Journey of John Williams rose underneath.
Legendary, Grammy award-winning Gospel singer CeCe Winans Photo courtesy of the Boston Pops
The excitement for multiple Grammy award-winning singer CeCe Winans was tangible. Dressed in a black and multi-colored floral gown, Cece Winans took the stage to roaring applause. CeCe Winans is a flawless soprano whose vocal tone at times is reminiscent of Whitney Houston. CeCe and Whitney collaborated together for the uplifting song, Count on Me in 1996. With a joyful warmth and tenderness and as the Boston Pops Gospel Choir swayed and clapped, CeCe performed an array of faith-filled songs from her latest album, Let Them Fall in Love such as Run to Him, Dancing in the Spirit, Peace from God, Never Have to Be Alone, and the title track. “Welcome to church,” CeCe exclaimed as she gracefully took the stage. Many of her songs spoke about finding hope in despair, forgiveness, and in the state of the world today, how much we are in need prayer. She concluded with a beautiful cover of Fanny Crosby’s hymn, Blessed Assurance, bringing the crowd to their feet.
Featuring a number impassioned performances from talented soloists, Charles Floyd continued to lead the Boston Pops Gospel Choir. Soloist Suzanne Buell and Raymond Martin opened with upbeat, jubilant renditions of Celebrate followed by Carolyn Saxon and David Grandy singing King of Kings. A particular highlight was Katani Sumner’s powerful, expressive, and bluesy rendition of When Sunday Comes. Katani’s smooth version of the song hinted of Ella Fitzgerald in its delivery.
Each year, Gospel Night offers a grand, spirit-fueled finale. Led by The Boston Pops Gospel Choir Artistic Director Dennis L. Slaughter, it is a party that could go all night long, if only they could. One of the biggest highlights of the evening came from soloist Renese King, who sang a tambourine-infused, rollicking rendition of the classic Gospel hymn, Oh Happy Day. Oh, Happy 25th Anniversary indeed.