Photograph by Michael Moya
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performs its unique brand of music on Nov. 10 at Sacred Heart Church.
Interfaith choir to sing at Sacred Heart Church
By Shari Kaplan
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, which performs on Nov. 10, at the fourth annual Ecumenical Celebration of Saratoga's Sacred Heart Church, is a testament not only to faith, love and hope as expressed in the Bible, but also to that which can exist among people with very diverse backgrounds.
Among the 55 OIGC members are singers of all ages, races and ethnicities and a variety of religions--not just different Christian denominations, but several other creeds. It's no surprise that the group is known in musical circles as the "Ambassadors of Love." What unites them is the fellowship of getting together to sing spirited, spiritual songs--not just for their own enjoyment but to inspire their audiences.
"The purpose of the concert is to bring together various Christian and other faith communities for an evening of praising God through music," says Bruce Hodgin, a Sacred Heart parishioner and concert chairman.
From the reverent Ave Maria to roof-raising jubilations, the OIGC sings it all. Although based in Oakland, where it performs at the Paramount Theater, the choir has appeared worldwide. It has also performed with gospel recording artists, including Tramaine Hawkins, Take 6, the Clark Sisters and Walter Hawkins, along with such secular artists as Linda Ronstadt, Peter Gabriel, John Denver and Jeffrey Osborne. The group has won many awards and recently cut a new CD titled Rejoice!.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. A pre-concert wine and hors d'oeuvres reception takes place at 7 p.m. A post-concert dessert and coffee with choir members commences after the show. Tickets are $20 to attend the concert only; $25 for the concert and dessert event; and $35 for all events. Net proceeds benefit various Sacred Heart parish organizations and programs.
The church is at 13724 Saratoga Ave. For tickets or more information, call 408.370.9030.
Saratoga, California Since 1955
