Stephen A. Futrell performs in Chicago

Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music Stephen A. Futrell performed with musicians from Atlanta and Chicago. Futrell was invited as a featured vocalist but also played trumpet with the instrumental ensemble.

Stephen A. Futrell, director of choral activities and associate professor of music at Elon, recently performed as a featured vocalist and trumpeter in Chicago.

<p>Stephen A. Futrell, director of choral activities and associate professor of music</p>
“The Elon community may recall Dr. Kevin Johnson, conductor of the Spelman College Glee Club, and the SCGC performing with Chorale and Camerata at our spring concert last April 2017,” says Futrell. 

Stained glass at St. Benedict the African Church
Johnson was commissioned to compose a mass which includes psalms, acclamations, responses and other pieces within the context of the setting of the mass ordinary. Musicians from Atlanta (including musicians from Spelman), as well as musicians from Chicago joined together in presenting the world premiere of “Mass of St. Benedict the African” on Saturday, April 14, 2018.

This special performance is part of the Archdiocese’s peace-building and violence-prevention efforts. “In this Easter season, we are reminded of our Christian duty to promote peace,” said Rev. David Jones, pastor of St. Benedict the African Parish. “The ‘Mass of St. Benedict the African’ reflects the parish’s commitment to unite the faithful of Englewood and strengthen the resolve of the community believing that change, justice non-violence start in the Church and are led out by the Church.”

Memerbs of the choir and ensemble at reception

St. Benedict the African Parish is located in Deanery 6A of the Archdiocese of Chicago in the East Englewood neighborhood of the city of Chicago. 

“It is an honor and privilege to have been invited to perform with these outstanding musicians,” Futrell says. “It’s always a pleasure working with Dr. Johnson and the presence of community members from diverse backgrounds was inspirational and uplifting.”