Andrew Jamieson and Darnell Ishmel: A NIGHT OF COLLABORATION IN CONCERT

Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC is excited to invite you to A NIGHT OF COLLABORATION IN CONCERT featuring pianist Andrew Barne Jamieson, former Oak Parker and member of Pilgrim in collaboration with dramatic baritone Darnell Ishmel offering original musical compositions. Mr. Ishmel's arrangement of John Stainer's God So Loved the World will also feature Pilgrim's Chancel Choir under the direction of Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins.

Pilgrim native Andrew Barnes Jamieson is dedicated to spiritual transformation through his work as pianist, keyboardist, composer and arranger. With a passion for gospel music, he is the Minister of Music at Bethel Community Presbyterian Church, the music director at Pacific School of Religion, and plays piano for City of Refuge, UCC in Oakland, California. With a passion for free improvisation and experimentation, he created the polytonal "Ives Band," and the jazz/gospel-oriented "Trouble Ensemble." His 2014 chamber opera Heaven Down Here explores the profound hope and profound danger of both experimentation and faith traditions through the story of Jim Jones' People Temple. His 2015 solo album Heard the Voice is a "dialogue" between experimental sounds and melodies of spirituals. Enjoy Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - Andrew Jamieson on piano

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Darnell Ishmel grew up singing, playing, and directing gospel music at his local church. After finishing his studies in Music and African American studies at the University of Michigan, he went on to make his professional debut with Cincinnati Opera. Hailed by the New York Times for his, "show-stealing" stage presence, "rich baritone, precise diction and superb comic timing" in his New York opera debut, he is a flexible vocalist and an innovative recitalist who constantly explores programming in an effort to enhance the recital tradition, attract new audiences, and preserve the art form. He is currently on staff as the Gospel Choir Director at Madonna University in Livonia, MI and Michigan State University Community Music School in Detroit, MI and is the Assistant Conductor of the Willis C. Patterson Our Own Thing Chorale in Ann Arbor, MI. This season, he makes on stage appearances with Toledo Opera and Opera Carolina. He is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Enjoy an 8 minute Recital Recap - Darnell Ishmel

Andrew and Darnell met in 2017 at the Holy Convocation of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since then, they have colloborated on pieces that create a unique and innovative blend of classical, liturgical, gospel and experimental tradtions. They have also performed live as a duo in Flint, Michigan, Kansas City, Missouri, and Oakland, California, and are thrilled to share this music in the Chicago area this fall!