Sat 2/7 @ 7:30PM

One of the Akron symphony’s most beloved concerts is its annual community-facing “Gospel Meets Symphony,” when the orchestra is joined by a 150-voice gospel choir, dubbed the “Gospel Meets Symphony Choir.” The members of that chorus are recruited from 75 churches across the area, so you know they are well grounded in the spirit.

This year is the concert’s 33rd and those voices will be ready to let go and rock the rafters of E.J. Thomas Hall this Saturday. With Akron Symphony music director Christopher Wilkins on the podium and choirmaster Jonathon Turner directing the singers, and a full rhythm section, featuring pianist Theron Brown, organist Joseph Townsend, drummer Dinareo Hill and bassist/band leader William “Bubba” Watkins amplifying the orchestra, the ensemble will be performing both gospel and classical pieces.

Only a small sampling: the “Lacrimosa” from Mozart’s Requiem; selections from Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird; Moses Hogan’s “Didn’t My Lord Deliver”; Walter Hawkins’ “Be Grateful”; and a special performance of “Total Praise” by the recently passed Richard Smallwood, founder of the Richard Smallwood Singers gospel ensemble. Vocal soloists include Amy Carson, Claudine Robinson, Russell Davis II, Ida Ashford, Ronald Ixaac Hubbard, Jaron LeGrair, Crystal Idley and Chicago’s Lady Donishisa Ballard on Robert Ray’s “Never Failed Me Yet.”

Get tickets here for this roof-raising performance and don’t expect to sit still.