When the Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir presents its highly anticipated annual gospel music workshop and concert at the end of the month, a New Westminster resident will be at the helm.
Gail Suderman is the artistic director of the choir, which is offering up Hallelujah Praise: Motown Meets Gospel at Ryerson United Church in Vancouver Feb. 28 and March 1.
The event includes a day-long workshop on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in which gospel enthusiasts can join the 90-voice Good Noise choir and renowned Victoria-based singer-conductor Louise Rose.
On Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m., the workshop culminates in a public concert featuring some 140 voices joining together in song.
"This year's musical theme for Hallelujah Praise connects the smooth R&B sounds of Motown with gospel music by focusing on songs from artists who successfully integrated the two styles," Suderman said in a press release. "Since many Motown artists of the 1960s sang in churches prior to launching successful pop careers, there is plenty of natural crossover to be found. The music also provides a fun-filled energy that is sure to set a positive and inspiring tone for participants and audience members alike."
The event features hits such as Stevie Wonder's Have a Talk With God, Michael Jackson's Heal the World, Diana Ross's Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand, and Jackie DeShannon and David Ruffin's Put a Little Love in Your Heart.
Along with Rose - who's renowned as a jazz pianist, vocalist and conductor-coach - the workshop participants will be joined by instrumentalists Michael Kalanj, Laurence Mollerup, Elliot Polsky, Ingrid Stitt and Suderman herself on piano.
The workshop costs $110, or $80 for students and seniors.
Registration forms can be downloaded from goodnoisevgc.com.
Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults, seniors and students, or $10 for children 12 and under. Buy through brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006.
