Personally, I am still floating from the energy and blessing I received on Saturday night! The thoughts and joyous comments have been flowing in. Here are some to keep you going through the rest of the week, or even, the rest of the month!

~Isa 
OIGC Board
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The HEALING POWER of music!
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter N
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 12:34 PM


Hello Nancy,

I just wanted to thank you for your assistance in helping me to plan this outing to the concert.  The few friends that I took with me all had a marvelous time including myself.  It was probably one of the best gospel concerts put on so far since the number of times that I have been going to it for the past decade or so.  Vocolot was quite spectacular with how they lured the audience into such high spirited clapping energy.  They should definately return to the concert again.  Other favorites of mine are Wings of Glory, Suite for Peace, and that Arcata Choir from up in the Eureka area that I heard a couple of times in past concerts.  The OIGC youth and adults choirs of course are a legand onto themselves.

My friends definately want to return again to next years concert, and I will also be there as I always have been.  Hopefully I will still remain on the email and regular mail lists, and will be in touch again for next years concert.  Take Care.

Peter
Santa Clara, San Jose South Bay Area 

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Terrance Kelly with members of Wings of Glory - gospel choir from Petaluma, CA

Thoughts from our OIGC "Newbies"

"I thought the experience for me was AWESOME. I wish I could have sang with you all in the robes, but it's ok next time... had a lot of energy I love you all. We are family. Much love" - Quincy T.

"I had a great time this weekend! I enjoyed the challenge of learning Linda's compositions and hope we get the chance to bring them to an even wider audience. I'm honored that she chose us to help bring her beautiful creations to life! I was touched by the Imams' words of love and inclusion, and I'm struck by the idea that we were singing Jewish music in an Islamic house of worship. How cool is that!" - Bernadette M.


Thoughts from our OIGC seasoned members
(why we stay in the choir for so long!)

"TERRANCE'S BEAUTIFUL SPIRIT SHONE THRU THE ROOM TO THE DIVERSE AUDIENCE." - Barbara D.

"The best was singing with Vocolot!" - Debra S.

"And I realize that the heart of my life has been a deep longing for union- all peoples together within my own life- and that, at moments, it comes true. An interfaith choir, (yes gospel) singing Hebrew words and rythms, me singing with the altos in the midst of it... looking out at such a variety of faces, all listening, some moving, even standing and here we are.

Was it easy for a bunch of differently oriented folks to learn the music, to lend ourselves to this glorious experiment? It wasn't easy, but most incredible things aren't. These moments are what inspire my life, keep me trying, keep me young... most of all, keep me hoping for a world I have imagined since I was a child...

It is so hard to recognize you're doing something important while you're doing it. This time, it was simultaneous. I want more!" - Cheryl EJ


 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 23, 2012

“Faiths In Harmony” Concert features Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Collaboration with Vocolot
Annual Spring Free Concert 

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Oakland, California--Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC) has announced that their Annual Spring Free Concert will take place on Saturday, April 14, at 7:30 pm at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern CA, 1433 Madison Street in Oakland (14th & Madison).

OIGC and Jewish Folk Ensemble Vocolot have been busy rehearsing several selections of new work that will be premiered at this concert. Coming on the heels of Easter and Passover, this concert celebrates the similarities and the differences of these two musical traditions and serves to carry out the shared mission of both groups to inspire people through song and cultural exchange. “We’re having fun and learning a lot (by working together)”, says OIGC Artistic Director Terrance Kelly. We’re thrilled to be celebrating Spring with this truly interfaith cultural event,” says Kelly. “We welcome all music lovers to attend and experience the mix of Middle Eastern sounds with the sounds of Gospel - the root of American music.” He and Vocolot leader Linda Hirschhorn have collaborated on compositions that will make their world premiere at the concert. Joining the program will be a number of Bay Area gospel guest ensembles. “Come join us; listen, celebrate and sing along!” says Director Kelly. 

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir is an award-winning, 55-voice, interfaith, multiracial, multicultural group of individuals united in their love of Black gospel music. The sheer joy and exuberance of spirit kindled by this music in singers and audiences alike delivers a powerful message and proves that people of diverse backgrounds can indeed come together and create beauty, unity, and hope for the future.

For more information, please call 510-839-4361, or visit www.oigc.org.