Scala Radio Sings with Karen Gibson from The Kingdom Choir
Karen Gibson, conductor and founder of gospel group The Kingdom Choir, joins the Scala Radio ranks for a two-part series celebrating the human voice, Scala Radio Sings on the 4th and 11th of October at 6pm.
Last updated 7th Oct 2020
Famed for their performance of Stand By Me at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, The Kingdom Choir is just one of the many singing groups that brings together likeminded people to make and create music. What used to be a hobby for school children and church goers, is now a fantastic way of uniting with friends, discovering musical talents and letting off steam!
Listen to the first episode of Scala Radio Sings with Karen Gibson here.
Over a million people in the UK sing in a choir and during lockdown many of us turned to online singing groups to cope with the isolation.
In each 2-hour show, Karen Gibson – who has been described as ‘Britain’s Godmother of Gospel’ by both the Guardian and BBC – will celebrate the genre of gospel music, as well as beautiful vocal pieces from the worlds of opera and musical theatre.
Listen to episode one of Scala Sings with Karen Gibson
She’ll also explore the relationship between gospel music and choral works from the likes of Bach or Handel, with each show containing a delicately crafted blend of choral, gospel and classical music. The playlist has been designed by Karen Gibson herself to get you up and singing.
With 25 years’ experience working with vocal groups and choirs under her belt, who better to celebrate the beauty of the human voice than Karen Gibson? She has conducted gospel workshops all over the UK and Europe as well as Nigeria, Japan, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and the USA and will bring her fascinating insight alongside each piece of music she plays on Scala Radio!
Speaking about the new series, Karen said “I’m so excited to have been asked by Scala Radio to put together this new two-part series celebrating the joy of song. I’ve been carefully curating a selection of music that I hope brings a smile to every listener. So, I hope you join us – and of course, join in!”
As part of Scala Radio’s Black History Month programming, Karen will also celebrate the best black composers and vocalists. From Aretha Franklin to Leontyne Price, Scott Joplin to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Karen will treat you to exquisite pieces from the classical repertoire and beyond.
Karen Gibson includes music from The King's Singers, Handel, Florence Beatrice Price, Anna Lapwood and The Kingdom Choir in her selections for the first episode**. The second episode is broadcast on Sunday 11th October at 6pm.**