Gospel Goes Classical Thrills Atlanta Under The Stars

(Dateline: Atlanta Georgia July 20, 2007)  “Gospel Goes Classical” featuring Juanita Bynum, Byron Cage and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra captured the spirit of Gospel and challenged the imagination with Classical under the stars at the world famous outdoor venue, the Chastain Park Amphitheatre.

The natural setting of the Chastain Park Amphitheater; Juanita Bynum’s stellar performance from the “Gospel Goes Classical” and “A Piece of My Passion,” CDs combined with Byron Cage’s charismatic performance, a 30-voice choir, the 4 piece all-star Atlanta rhythm section and the 75-piece Atlanta Symphony Orchestra provided the backdrop for a spectacular evening of praise, power and music mastery.

Conducted by Chelsea Tipton, II, of The Toledo Symphony Orchestra and arranged by Dr. Glenn Caldwell, the concert opened with African drums and congas introducing the classic Kirk Franklin tune, “Hosanna.”

Byron Cage, the acclaimed “Prince of Praise,” set the pace for the evening with performances of “Breathe” and “Broken But I’m Healed.”  At the end of the first act, amidst a rousing standing ovation, Dr. Bynum performed her smash single from Gospel Goes Classical, “One Night with the King.”

In the second act, the audience was on their feet with Byron Cage’s performance of his classic “Presence of the Lord.”  The audience never reclaimed their seats through Juanita Bynum’s foot stomping duet with Myron Williams, “Change” and the show stopping finale, “I Don’t Mind Waiting.”

The audience was a veritable Who’s Who witnessing the Gospel Goes Classical debut in Atlanta.  Guests included Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr, President and CEO of The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute; Vanessa Vaughn, Inspirations Across America;  Ace Alexander, Sheridan Gospel Network; Marsha Burke, Gospel Today Magazine; Sonya Hamm, Program Director, WPZE, Praise 97 Radio One; Tara Griggs-Magee, Gospel Music Consultant and Melanie Few, Results Inc.

Representing the International music market were Hans Groeneveld, President of Integrity International Distribution; Linville J. Johnson, Deputy Director, Religious Market, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Ricardo Tunifort and Michelle David of TRC Promotions, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

 Dr. Lawrence Pijeaux says it best:

“When Gospel Goes Classical made its debut in Birmingham back in 2003, I thought nothing could top it!  However, under the stars in Atlanta, Byron Cage used his energy and vocals to set the stage for the masterful storytelling-set-to-music of Juanita Bynum.  The evening was spellbinding and made true believers out of all who listened.”

– Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., Ed.D.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

On an ordinary night…an extraordinary event occurred…

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