Chan Centre Presents

We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sat Feb 29 2020 8pm

Chan Shun Concert Hall

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Pianist, vocalist, composer, and Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient Damien Sneed brings his incomparable, multi-genre virtuosity to We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interwoven with recordings from Dr. King’s speeches, this captivating program honours the musical and cultural through-line that includes gospel, classical, jazz, musical theatre, and spirituals. We Shall Overcome resonates with solemnity, hope, and joyful community, while showcasing repertoire from the African American musical traditions that have electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders.

“Multifaceted music maestro” (NBC News) Damien Sneed has worked with legends Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and many others. With “dashing virtuosity” (World Music Report), Sneed leads an eight-piece ensemble of breathtakingly skilled vocalists and instrumentalists who invoke the spirit of social justice warriors with passionate chemistry and a heartfelt unity.

Also performing live at this concert is Vancouver’s own Universal Gospel Choir.

"Damien Sneed is an ambassador for classical and gospel music who brings positivity, optimism and thoroughness to every occasion. His talent stretches across traditional divisions. In the realest sense, he uses his artistry to make our world a better place."

Wynton Marsalis

$15 student rush tickets for this performance will become available on February 15, 2020 at 12 noon. Visit chancentre.com/students for more information.

SPECIAL GUESTS: UNIVERSAL GOSPEL CHOIR

Vancouver’s longest-lived community gospel choir, Universal Gospel Choir, will also be performing live as part of this special concert.

UGC is inspired by a deep commitment to social justice and a desire to share light and love through the beauty of music. Now over 70 voices strong, UGC is known for their big sound and foot-stomping soul, bringing exuberant energy and joy to a variety of musical genres including traditional gospel, inspirational pop, and civil rights anthems.

Led by seasoned music director Lonnie Delisle, UGC reaches over 3000 people every year though annual concerts and at regular community outreach events and fundraisers.

"As our North American tour grows, it continues to be such a joy to travel to many different communities. I look forward to finally having an opportunity to perform in Vancouver as many of my friends that I attended school with at the Peabody Institute are now living and performing there. In each city we visit, we enjoy connecting with local singers of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate timely messages of peace and unity that are at the core of the teachings of the late Martin Luther King Jr. At the Chan Centre in Vancouver we will be working with the Universal Gospel Choir, whose multi-faith and social justice-oriented mission is a great fit for this project."

Damien Sneed