Group pays tribute to American spirituals on day marking Martin Luther King's birthday

The American Spiritual Ensemble will perform Saturday, Jan. 15 at the Clayton Center for the Arts in Maryville.

The American Spiritual Ensemble will deliver a fitting tribute when they perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Clayton Center for the Arts, 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville, the day marking Martin Luther King's birthday.

In his many sermons and speeches, Dr. King referred to spirituals' lyrics to stir people to action and remind African Americans of their slave history. At President Obama's inauguration, the Rev. Joseph Lowery's prayer was composed of phrases from Dr. King's sermons, which in turn had come from the lyrics of spirituals.

The origin of the spiritual began with slaves working in the fields, many of whom had no common language, but found unity in the melody of songs they sang. The American Spiritual Ensemble continues that tradition today, performing concerts a cappella, without instrumental accompaniment.

The American Spiritual Ensemble was founded in 1994 by Everett McCorvey, professor of voice and director of opera at the University of Kentucky. Seeing that younger musicians were not familiar with spirituals, McCorvey feared the musical form may be lost forever.

McCorvey initially invited professional singers into the ensemble; now, artists audition for spots each year. The ensemble includes many of whom have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, Carnegie Hall and on Broadway.

For tickets or more information, call the Clayton Center box office at 865-981-8590.

© 2011, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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