Nova Scotia Mass Choir to perform at Osprey

Mass choir pr

The Osprey Arts Centre will present a concert with the Nova Scotia Mass Choir at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. This long anticipated concert will celebrate the choir’s 15th anniversary.

Begun in 1992, this 35-member multicultural/multiracial gospel choir made its debut at an International Gospel Festival in Halifax. The audience response inspired the group to keep singing.

The Mass Choir grew out of Nova Scotia’s long tradition of church-based black gospel music. In a community long oppressed, singing has always provided spiritual sustenance. What the Mass Choir and other popular gospel choirs have done is bring this uplift to the general public.

The joy of the singing and hand clapping and moving with the music lifts the audience’s spirits.

The director of the choir is Shauntay Grant, spoken word poet and CBC Radio Two host. She will be appearing later this fall at the Osprey where she will present her poetry under the auspices of the Shelburne County Arts Council on Nov. 2.

The Mass Choir will be visiting Birchtown for a supper provided by the Black Loyalist Heritage Society before they appear at the Osprey. They will also tour the Birchtown site.

Since the Nova Scotia Mass Choir seldom appears outside of Halifax, Oct. 6 is a rare opportunity to hear this inspiring choir. During the intermission the Black Loyalist Heritage Society will be selling desserts and coffee.

Tickets for this event are $20, $10 for students, $25 for families and EyeGo tickets are $5. Tickets are available at the Whirligig, 875 1117 or at the door.