GSO Chorus: Gospel Mass

The GSO Chorus, accompanied by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, presents Robert Ray’s unique and powerful Gospel Mass. This concert also features the GSO Chamber Singers and special guests, the Marietta High School Chorus and their director, Dr. Brittny Woods.

Robert Ray, who wrote his Gospel Mass in 1979, died in 2022 at the age of seventy-six after a notable career at the University of Illinois-Urbana and later work with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Chorus. His setting of the Mass came about thanks to the interest of Catholic leaders at the time who wished to include African-America music in the liturgy. Ray composed the Mass in only two weeks and conceived the piece as a one-time, experimental performance with the Black Student Chorus which he founded at Urbana. However, its instant popularity drew the attention of Jenson / Hal Leonard Music and quickly became a top seller across the nation.

Ray stands in a long line of composers who have turned to the Mass as a compositional framework, but his Gospel Mass is a singular achievement as one of the first major works in the improvisatory gospel style to be notated for chorus and instruments. Hallmarks of gospel music such as three-part vocal harmony, improvisation with a soloist, modulations, and a rhythm combo figure prominently along with the unexpected addition of strings and woodwinds from the orchestra. In the spirit of inclusivity, Ray chose an English adaptation of the Mass which makes it appealing for audiences in concert and liturgical contexts.

About Georgia Symphony Orchestra

For over seven decades, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra has engaged audiences through imaginative programming, visionary leadership, and critically acclaimed performances. The standard of musicianship and artistry at every concert continues to be recognized and admired! The GSO is made up of: GSO Orchestra, Jazz, Chorus, & GYSO youth ensembles.

About Georgia Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Encompassing a wide range of vocal versatility, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Chorus performs choral/orchestral works and pops, while also producing independent choral concerts. Highlights from recent seasons include performing choral masterworks with the Georgia Symphony, GSO Jazz! at the Strand Theatre, a sold-out concert of music from the video game The Legend of Zelda, and a historic regional premiere of American music.

Comprised of accomplished vocalists from the greater Atlanta metropolitan area, performances have included Mahler's Second Symphony, Vaughan Williams' A Sea Symphony, Orff's Carmina Burana, Haydn's The Creation, and Verdi's Te Deum. The ensemble has also presented state, regional, and world premieres.

Founded in 2007, and directed by Bryan Black, the chorus has performed with the Morehouse College Glee Club, the Spelman College Glee Club, the Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers, and the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble.