On January 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM, in the Orvieto Cathedral, the Bishop of Orvieto-Todi, H.E. Mons. Gualtiero Sigismondi, will celebrate the Holy Peace Mass, accompanied by the uplifting music and singing of the Benedict Gospel Choir.
Following the service, the Benedict Gospel Choir will perform in the traditional concert held in the Cathedral—one of the most highly anticipated events of Umbria Jazz Winter.
The Benedict Gospel Choir from South Carolina is a dynamic and energetic group of 30 members. Founded by Reverend Darryl Izzard, it has become an icon of excellence among the leading gospel ensembles in the United States. Winner of five out of seven editions of the prestigious "Black Music Caucus Gospel Choir" competition in New York, the choir draws inspiration from a variety of genres, blending gospel, spirituals, blues, reggae, and traditional African music.
The choir has performed alongside many world-renowned artists, including Tramaine Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, Donald Lawrence of the Tri-City Singers, Ricky Dillard of the New Generation Chorale of Chicago, Norman Hutchins of Los Angeles, and O'landa Draper & The Associates. It has also participated in prestigious events such as the Christmas Concert at the Vatican in 2000 and the Christmas Concert in Monte Carlo. Internationally, the choir has toured extensively across Ghana, West Africa, Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá, and more recently, it was a guest of the Prince and Princess of Monaco. The group has been seen and heard by millions worldwide through television and radio performances.
The award-winning Benedict College Gospel Choir has been ranked as the number one college gospel choir in the United States for over a decade, earning major recognitions from both the National Black Music Caucus in New York and the National Hall of Fame HBCU.
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