New England Congregational Church in Aurora celebrated Black History Month with “A History of Negro Spirituals through Word and Song” Sunday afternoon.
The event featured vocalist and music educator Ina Allen of Bolingbrook, a freelance performer and vocal teacher and coach at Bolingbrook and Romeoville high Schools. She was accompanied by Mae Smith of Aurora and Melody Coleman of Naperville who read accompanying selections. Allen vocal students Amaya Achramachred of Bolingbrook and Mamaya Ose-Ado assisted Allen in “Oh! What a Beautiful City.”
Other selections by Allen included “Steal Away,” “Balm in Gilead,” “Witness” “Going Home” and “He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands.”
NECC organist/pianist Daniel Segner provided accompaniment.
The event was co-sponsored by AAUW Aurora Branch and Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
Allen has performed as a chorister and featured soloist with Chicago Choral Artists, Chicago Symphony Chorus and with U.S. and international groups as a freelance recitalist, adjudicator and music clinician.
A reception concluded the event.
—Al Benson