Inspired by Martin Luther King, the Harlem Gospel Choir, which will perform tonight at the Halle aux Grains, travels the world to carry the flame of gospel.
Created by Allen Bailey in 1986, the Harlem Gospel Choir will perform this Monday at the Halle aux Grains, at the invitation of the Great Performers. It will pay homage to the great Nina Simone: guaranteed emotions. Meeting with a group inhabited by love, music and faith.
What does the name of Dr Martin Luther King Jr represent in 2022?
We cannot speak for everyone, but for the majority of Americans, he embodies the eternal faith in our humanity, and our ability to rise above injustice, persecution, racism. Everyone knows his famous speech “I have a dream”, the words of which still resonate today with the same force as when he pronounced them. Dr. King is always a beacon of hope and an example of courage and unwavering faith.
For more than twenty years, you have been singing all over the world: how do people react to the power of the Choir?
As we always say, music is a universal language. Ours is about hope, inspiration, and audiences around the world are always happy to hear those messages.
We know the spirituality of the Gospel well and, whatever his religion, we can only be carried away by its beauty…
When sung with love and powerful faith, it is absolutely impossible not to be moved and uplifted by the gospel. All of our singers share their joy and faith through our songs and music. They speak directly to the audience through these songs and, indeed, it is irresistible!
Today’s world is full of worries and uncertainties. Can music change our perception of the torments we are going through?
It helps us change our perspective and open our hearts to hope, even for the duration of a concert. Small changes can lead to big things, and if a person remembers smiling or having a good time, they will carry that moment, however brief, home. I don’t know how this moment will impact his life, but I know that at this precise moment, it will be sweet and pleasant to him.
Monday’s concert is a tribute to Nina Simone: what does this great artist and her extraordinary repertoire represent?
The Choir loves the music of Nina Simone. We have tremendous respect for all she has achieved and for the strength she showed in fighting discrimination as a child and later throughout her career. She put her voice at the service of African Americans. His words are still so relevant today that they remind us that there is still much work to be done in the world.
What can we expect tonight?
This show is packed with wonderful songs immortalized by Nina Simone, gospel standards and Christmas carols. The Choir is accompanied by a very talented group and the energy between all these artists is perfect.
What emotions do you want to convey to the audience?
The main thing is that the audience has a good time and leaves the room with a big smile on their lips, while their hearts continue to sing. We’ve never played in Toulouse, but we can’t wait to meet the Toulouse public!
“Nina Simone put her voice at the service of African Americans”