The Kingdom Choir brings light and wisdom to Glen Ellyn

Photo by: Andrew Whitton

“When the night has come, and the land is dark, and the moon is the only light we'll see. No, I won't be afraid! Oh, I won't be afraid, just as long as you stand, stand by me!” The words of the powerful song “Stand by me!” by Ben E. King shook the world on May 19, 2018 at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and American-born actress Meghan Markle, now Duchess of Sussex. This song was released fifty eight years ago and has been a favorite for decades, but it approached even a higher level of popularity after being brilliantly performed by The Kingdom Choir at the Royal Wedding. Millions of people watched it live, and this song enhanced that beautiful event with its extreme energy, beauty and wisdom.

Now, The Kingdom Choir is happy to enlighten the Chicago area with their strong and powerful voices. The concert featuring this electrifying vocal group will take place at the McAninch Arts Center located at 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 as part of their international Stand By Me Tour.

Before I tell you more about this concert and this choir, I would like to share with you some of my memories. I remember that day – May 19, 2018. I planned to watch the Royal Wedding and made sure that I had nothing else going on that day. As a devoted fan of Royals, I was closely watching that beautiful event – Meghan’s stunning dress, her beautiful smile, the way the Prince looked at her… Everything was important. Every moment was unforgettable for me and for millions of people around the globe. I was staring at the dresses, hats and suits worn by nearly six hundred honorable guests who attended the Royal Wedding at St. George’s Chapel that Saturday. I wanted to be there! Oh, well.

And then all of a sudden I heard those magnificent sounds. Yes, I heard this song before in my life, but it never gave me the same effect as this time. When one of the soloists started singing and when soon after that the rest of the singers sang along with him building together polished and beautiful vocal chords, I had goosebumps. Their presentation was so unique, magnificent and almost surreal, that I felt like the sounds of their voices enveloped me with their deep and strong timbres, accurate vocal technique, and touching voice production. The Kingdom Choir delivered to the entire world one of the basic ideas that all humans should remember forever – stay united, support each other and complement each other with the sound of your voices, the movements of your souls, and with the warmth of your hearts.

The Kingdom Choir made it happen. It gave this song another life and another spin of popularity, as to many other songs that this beautiful choral organization performs around the globe. The talent of these singers shines brightly through their smiles, voices and eyes. Their Christian mission is big and important – to spread hope, love to God and respect to each other through magnificent sounds of gospel music.

The performances of this choir demonstrate warm energy, soul-stirring gospel sound and electrifying enthusiasm. The Kingdom Choir was founded in 1994 by award-winning conductor Karen Gibson, one of the most respected gospel tutors and choir instructors. Since then, this choral organization has been successfully performing throughout England and around the world.

Gibson is the heart of this choir. Being a full time choir conductor and workshop leader, she teaches her singers to deliver emotional fullness, extreme warmth and deep meaning of gospel music through their vocal intonations, dynamics and emotional presentation. Gibson is also called “a powerhouse of inspiration and energy,” as she is not only a high-level professional, but also an aspiring woman and a unique individual.

Karen is known for the high quality of her work and extensive experience. She has been conducting gospel workshops for over twenty five years all over the UK and Europe as well as Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and the USA. She is named one of the best Gospel Choir conductors in the United Kingdom and listed as one of the twenty most influential Black Christian women in the 100th issue of Keep the Faith Magazine, 2017.

The Kingdom Choir consists of individual singers and performers from various Christian traditions in the South East region of England. They are committed to creating music that celebrates the Christian faith they share. The Kingdom Choir is a great example of the unity within the British gospel community. The group won multiple awards including BBC Radio 2 Church Minstrels of the Year in 2000, Best Gospel Choir in 2004, and Best Gospel Album in 2005. The Kingdom Choir has performed with notable artists such as Elton John, Luther Vandross, the Spice Girls, Michael Ball, Leslie Garrett and Alexander O’Neal.

This phenomenal choir earned a reputation for delivering polished and thrilling performances, and very soon Chicago area residents will have a chance to hear one of them.

“If the sky that we look upon should tumble and fall or the mountains should crumble to the sea. I won't cry, I won't cry. No, I won't shed a tear just as long as you stand, stand by me,” says the song. Well, I am not sure that I won’t cry at their concert, because on May 19, 2018, when I was watching the Royal Wedding and listening to The Kingdom Choir perform, I didn’t even think that someday I would have a chance to see and hear them. But dreams come true.

For tickets and information, please call 630-942-4000 or visit https://www.atthemac.org/events/the-kingdom-choir/. Tickets are $65-$70. A free MAC Chat will precede the concert at 2 p.m. Media support for this event is provided by WDCB 90.9 FM, Chicago’s home for jazz.

Natalia Dagenhart