Choral Ministry of Historic Abyssinian Baptist Church Performs Entirety of Handel's 'Messiah'

Choral Ministry of Historic Abyssinian Baptist Church Performs Entirety of Handel's 'Messiah'

First-ever performance of George Frideric Handel's masterpiece in its original length by church's renowned Cathedral Choir, featured soloists & orchestra

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, December 10, 2010, the Cathedral Choir of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York will perform George Frideric Handel's Messiah in its entirety with guest soloists, orchestral and harpsichord accompaniment. The Choir's first time performance of the full Messiah will be conducted by James Davis, Jr., Abyssinian's Director of Music Ministries & Fine Arts. This special concert is free to the public and takes place in Harlem at the landmark Abyssinian Baptist Church, 132 Odell Clark Place (132 West 138th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard) at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Featured soloists and musicians include Soprano, Jeryl Cunningham-Fleming; Mezzo-soprano, Carolyn Sebron; Tenor, Phumzile Sojola; Baritone, Brian Major; Harpsichordist, David F. Oliver; and, Organist, Dina Foster Osbourne.

The Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York is one of the oldest African-American institutions impacting the cultural landscape of America today, and the oldest African-American Baptist church in New York State. Since its founding in 1808 by free African Americans living in New York City and Ethiopian merchants, the church's prolific leadership -- including Reverend Adam Clayton Powell Sr., Congressman, Reverend Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Dr. Samuel Dewitt Proctor -- have guided Abyssinian as an iconic champion of social justice for positive reform. Presently, Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, leads the 202 year-old landmark church as its dynamic pastor. For more information, visit www.abyssinian.org.

SOURCE Abyssinian Baptist Church

Abyssinian Baptist Church

CONTACT: Naomi Graham, The Abyssinian Baptist Church, +1-212-862-7474 Ext. 215, ngraham@abyssinian.org

Web Site: http://www.abyssinian.org

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