On January 15, the Church of the Ascension will celebrate the work and witness of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with special music throughout the service from the African-American spiritual tradition. And we are very pleased to host special guest soloist Kevin Deas. Kevin has gained international acclaim as one of America’s leading basses. Lauded for his “burnished sound, clarity of diction and sincerity of expression” and “fervent intensity” by Chicago Tribune critic John von Rhein, Kevin has been variously called “exemplary” (Denver Post), “especially fine” (Washington Post) and possessing “a resourceful range of expression” (The Cincinnati Enquirer). He is perhaps most acclaimed for his signature portrayal of the title role in Porgy and Bess, having sung it with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, National Symphony, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Diego, Utah, Houston, Baltimore and Montreal symphonies and the Ravinia and Saratoga festivals.
Of course, at Ascension, we knew him in his early years, singing bass in our church choir. It’s always a thrill to welcome him home and we welcome you to join us in this festal Eucharist commemorating the great American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.
