ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

SALISBURY, MD---Created in the fields and plantation houses of the old South, the spiritual allowed slaves to secretly communicate through singing.

That musical art form returns to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Friday-Saturday, February 3-4, as the American Spiritual Ensemble performs 8 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, back by popular demand.

The world-renowned singing group, which last performed in ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ in 2009 to a sold-out house and standing ovations, includes ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ music faculty John Wesley Wright.

The Ensemble also hosts a community choral workshop 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 at the church, and as artists-in-residence, a series of master classes for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ voice students. Master classes are 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursday, February 2, and 12:30-2 p.m. Friday, February 3, in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Admission to the workshop and master classes is free and the public is invited.

Founded by Dr. Everett McCorvey in 1995, the Ensemble strives to keep the tradition of American Negro spirituals alive. It has performed throughout the world, including such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan and New York City operas. It also has been broadcast as part of the PBS documentary The Spirituals.

Part of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½’s African-American History Month celebration, the Asbury concerts are sponsored by The Peter and Judy Jackson Music Performance Fund and ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s President's Office, Provost's Office, Department of Music, Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts and Multicultural Student Services Office.

Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ employees with ID, $5 for ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students. Tickets will be available at the door only. For more information call 410-548-2985 or visit the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Web site at www.salisbury.edu.