Dr André J Thomas returns to the London Symphony Orchestra for a one-night-only on Sunday 5 November 2023 at the Barbican Hall in the heart of the City of London with an explosive concert of Gospel Music featuring guest artist Lurine Cato.

It will be an evening bursting with hope for a new world, featuring the unrestrained power of gospel music and one of the world’s great Orchestras.

Gospel legends, Donald Lawrence and Ricky Dillard will bring the soul of the genre with their modern classics, each scattered with funk elements echoing the sounds of Earth, Wind and Fire.

Florence Price’s 1951 anthem Praise the Lord shines a light on a rediscovered star, and some of André’s compositions, Shout for Joy and Band of Angels, will transport audiences back in time to New Orleans in the 1950s and ’60s. This programme rocks between upbeat and reflective but is always packed full of energy.

LSO Associate Artist conductor André J Thomas and London Symphony Chorus, and the LSO Community Voices are joined by regular collaborators soprano NaGuanda Nobles and tenor Christian Mark Gibbs, with pianist and composer Brandon Boyd showcasing his skills throughout the evening. This concert also sees the welcome return of UK Gospel singer Lurine Cato.

With this concert, André J. Thomas brings a growing trend in the US over to the UK – taking iconic gospel music originally written for choirs and smaller groups, and putting them in a fresh, bold symphonic envelope.

He said, “Gospel music does not apologize. It comes straight out, fiery and quick. It’s like lighting a firecracker – you start with a sizzle and that’s it. Every section of this concert will have a pow.  When we hear Mozart and Haydn we think of their restraint, but this music says, ‘To heck with restraint.’ It goes straight to people’s heart and understanding.”

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