“How Come Me Here?” The History and Evolution of Gospel Music: Black America’s anthem of survival and empowerment in the struggle for human rights and the triumph of the human spirit

Organized by the Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva

The Geneva Gospel Choir

About the concert:

In honor of Black History Month, the Permanent Mission of the United States of America invites you to celebrate the role of gospel music in American history and world culture. Gospel music can be traced back to the early 17^th century, with roots in the black oral tradition. From slavery to abolition to the civil rights movement, Gospel music has played a significant role in American history, as a form of expression, a symbol of community, and an anthem of empowerment. It retains its prominence in American culture today and has influenced many genres of music around the world.   

This program will feature an interactive lecture by Maestro Nehemiah H. Brown, an American Gospel musician, choir director, and Director of The Florence Gospel Choir School, followed by a performance by the Geneva Gospel Choir with the artistic direction of Eusebio De Cristofaro, also of The Florence Gospel Choir School. The Choir will perform a selection of popular gospel standards. In the tradition of American gospel, we invite you to come and sing along!