What is the concept of Morris Robinson’s duel presentation of Opera and Gospel Music on the same program? What motivates Morris Robinson to dedicate himself to this format?

To begin with, the solo operatic voices were spectacular. Morris Robinson, a world class and renown bass, delivered memorable performances of “In diesen heil’gen Hallen,” Sarastro’s aria from “Die Zauberflote” and “Come dal ciel precipita!” from Verdi’s “Macbeth.” These two arias alone would have made the evening worthwhile. Robinson’s voice is as powerful as any great bass singing today. His richness of sound, with a surprising lightness and lyrical ability, was evidenced in this performance.

The roster of singers was most impressive, including Aaron Crouch who delivered an energetic performance, with ringing high notes and convincing emotion for “Ah! Leve-toi, soleil!” from Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette.” Also outstanding, among many fine singers, was baritone Michael Preacely, who sang the Prologue, “Si può? Si può?” from Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci.” Mr. Preacely not only sang with great warmth and dramatic interpretation, he was totally secure in the wide range of the aria with thrilling high notes. Jacqueline Echols and Amber Monroe, added to the display of great voices singing arias from “Rigoletto,” “Aida” and “Louise.”

The program was part of the Anna H. Wang Concert Series presented on January 10, 2026 at the Takoma Park, Maryland, Seventh Day Adventist Church. The concert series was established by Anna H. Wang’s children, since she supported education and music lessons for countless children. Dr. Brian Liu is the president of the concert series.

The idea of Morris & Friends was conceived by Tracy Wilson and the Cincinnati Opera. Morris & Friends not only performs, but meets with students giving lessons and motivation to those interested in music, singing, and pursuing a career in music. Days prior to the concert, the artists met with Takoma Academy Camerata, an award-winning chorus which has approximately 39 enrolled students who perform approximately 30 concerts a year. The evening was Co-Presented with the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts.

Following Intermission, a concert of Gospel Music resounded in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. One could feel the entire audience being swept away by the precision of the choir. Beginning with “Lift up your Heads” by LaShun Pace, Patrick Lundy conducted The Ministers of Music with rhythmic precision, and energy while soprano, Amber Monroe joined them for a choir and soloist performance of “Glad About It.” Ms. Monroe was thrilling in her vocal modulations. She had a beautiful tone and use of voice which was a great contrast to the arias sung earlier in the program. Her melismatic singing demonstrated great art in developing the line and the responsive singing with the choir was excellent.

All the featured artists, Jacqueline Echols, Michael Preacely, and Aaron Crouch demonstrated a love of Gospel singing. Their arias were impressive, and their singing and improvisation had the audience on its feet and swaying. This was an experience I will long remember.

Music director Brandon Waddles accompanied the opera arias in a supportive manner, yet in the Gospel selections he had an enthusiasm which revealed his true passion for music. He improvised a touching piano solo tribute to composer Richard Smallwood (1948-2025). The Ministers of Music choir delivered a marvelous evening of Gospel Music in a Seventh Day Adventist Church which made it all the more powerful, an experience which could not be easily duplicated in a concert hall.