The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had it all: British tradition and African American style. The sermon was inspiring and the fashion was resplendent, but what many remember is a single song, “Stand By Me,” sung soulfully by a gospel ensemble, The Kingdom Choir.
Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m., that choir and conductor Karen Gibson make their Athens debuts at Hodgson Concert Hall as part of the UGA Presents Holiday Music Series. The subsequent performers are Kathy Mattea (Dec. 11), the Vienna Boys Choir (Dec. 18), and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus (Dec. 21).
The Kingdom Choir concert will include seasonal favorites like “Joy to the World” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” as well as “Lovely Day” and “Stand By Me.”
KAREN GIBSON
Karen Gibson, an award-winning choir conductor and workshop leader, is a powerhouse of inspiration and energy. Known for the high quality of her work, Karen’s experience is extensive. She has been involved with vocal groups and choirs for over 25 years, conducting gospel workshops across the UK and Europe as well as Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and the USA.
She has been instrumental in drawing together and conducting some of the most prestigious large-scale choirs for a variety of gospel and community initiatives. Karen has also run workshops for aspiring gospel conductors in the UK, Poland, Norway and Italy. She has successfully run gospel choirs in schools across London, teaching singing and training future leaders.
A recent review of Karen’s work states: “Karen Gibson knows how to bring the best out of people, to allow their latent talent to come alive and, most importantly, to create a synergy that ensures the music is tight, strong, and yet also borne on the wings of a poised ensemble.” The positive impact of gospel singing led to her establishing her own community gospel choir, Gospel on The Rise, in the heart of Clapham Junction.
In 2020, Karen was listed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music. Karen’s solo appearances on TV include as a competitor on Celebrity MasterChef, as a guest on the James Martin show and Portrait Artist of the Year, as a presenter on Britain’s Easter Story and Britain’s Christmas Story, and as a judge on The Naked Choir, Songs of Praise and Côr Cymru. Karen has also hosted her own mini-series on Scala Radio.
SUPPORTED BY
The Trashy Book Club of Athens
BUYING TICKETS IS EASY
Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:
- Purchase tickets online 24/7 at here.
- Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
You may also create your own series of three or more performances (10% off). UGA Presents single tickets start at just $25 with promo code PAC25 and UGA student tickets are $10. Parking is free.