The Grand Rapids Symphony’s annual Celebration of the Soul promises to stylistically capture a shared appreciation of music while bridging the cultural gap through arts. Created in 2002 by musical director David Lockington, this event is committed to diversity.

On February 28at 8 pm, the Grand Rapids Symphony will present a two part special event comprised of dinner and a concert.

An awards dinner honoring community members Duane and Kaye Davis (teachers), Reverend Doctor Clifton Rhodes Jr. (senior pastor) and Bing Goei (President/CEO Eastern Floral) will be held prior to the concert. These honorees were selected because of their contributions in bridging the gap through music, education and the arts. During the ceremony, a traditional South African themed 3-course dinner will be served. Entertainment for the dinner will consist of performances by the “Young, Black and Gifted” scholars.

The second part of Celebration of the Soul will be the concert. The 120-voice Grand Rapids Community Gospel Chorus will be the first performers of the evening. Led by Duane Davis, this group is made up of people from the local community, as well as members of the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus. The chorus, combined with the Grand Rapids Symphony, will perform some Nigerian folk songs and gospel tunes, as well as powerful works like, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “I’m Determined to Walk With Jesus.” This portion of the concert will conclude with “The Prayer,” written by Debra and Gerald Perry.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a 10-member, two-time Grammy-winning vocal ensemble from South Africa, will be next to take the stage. First introduced by Paul Simon on his “Graceland” album, their music is an eclectic blend of South African rhythms and gospel and native harmonies. The result of Ladysmith’s music has been described as a spiritual and musical alchemy. They also performed for Nelson Mandela in 1994.

Carol Tanis, Public Relations Manager, said, “We picked this group because of their wonderful talent and vocal sound.”

“They’ve performed across the world, so we thought that many people in West Michigan would be interested in seeing them.”

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s stage performance will feature not only a strong vocal sound, but also choreography.

Proceeds from the dinner and concert will support the Symphony’s “Young, Gifted and Black Scholarship Fund.” This scholarship was created in 2005 through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to fund instrument training for young African-American students.

The concert and dinner will be held at the DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets range from $12 to $90 for the dinner and/or concert.