Photos: Lift Every Voice with the IN UNISON Chorus and BeBe Winans

By Eric Dundon

The sounds of voices filled the Stifel Theatre in downtown St. Louis for a celebration and commemoration of Black History Month as the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the SLSO IN UNISON Chorus joined together for its annual Lift Every Voice concert.

This annual concert, a highlight of the SLSO's season, was made even more special because of a milestone for the chorus—it celebrates 30 years since its 1994 founding in 2024. Kevin McBeth, Director of the IN UNISON Chorus since 2011, welcomed the full house, promising an uplifting and inspiring evening, which the chorus delivered with favorites including "Hallelujah, You're Worthy to be Praised," "I'll Fly Away," and "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Members of the IN UNISON Chorus took the spotlight on several songs: Johnny Gillings, Jr. on "Tshotsholoza," Jennifer Kelley on "It's Working," and Patricia Brown on "Lovely Day."

The crowd erupted when special guest, BeBe Winans, took the stage for performances of songs from his body of work including "He's A Mighty God," "Come to the Water," and "Born for This," sharing anecdotes from his family's story along the way.

The IN UNISON Chorus will share a free community concert on May 5 to conclude its concerts in the 2023/2024 season.

Photos by Virginia Harold

Vocalist BeBe Winans recognizes pianist Dr. Joe Welch, accompanist for the IN UNISON Chorus.

Audience members share a greeting in the Stifel Theater lobby.

Kevin McBeth, Director of the IN UNISON Chorus since 2011, leads the Lift Every Voice concert on February 23, 2024.

Vocalist BeBe Winans performs "Book of Life" with the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus.

Members of the IN UNISON Chorus sing "It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day."

This was the second time Winans collaborated with the SLSO. Previously, he sung the National Anthem with the SLSO to open the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR race.

Jennifer Kelley was the featured soloist in Isaac Cates' "It's Working," which was originally commissioned by the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus.

Members of the alto, tenor, and bass sections.

McBeth welcomes the audience at Stifel Theatre.

Tenor Johnny Gillings, Jr. was the featured soloist in Tshotsholoza, commonly referred to as the unofficial anthem of South Africa.