Last Saturday, under the distinguished patronage of the Premier of Bermuda, The Honourable Jennifer M. Smith, J.P., DhumL, M.P., BTC Mobility presented the Choral Group WORD, `Traditional Spirituals", with guest conductor Moses George Hogan.

Under the direction of Lloyd Matthew, WORD performs both sacred and secular music in the classical and contemporary tradition. The group has a history of outstanding performances in Bermuda.

All songs were arrangements by Mr. Hogan, Louisiana-born world-class arranger conductor and pianist.

To an overflowing church, Moses George Hogan began by introducing himself and informing the audience that this was not a gospel concert but a performance of spirituals. He educated us to the fact that the spiritual is a distinctive original musical form due to its "serious aspects of composition" which influenced the blues, ragtime and jazz and predated gospel by decades.

Created by unknown bards and passed down by slaves in the oral tradition when slaves were not allowed to read or write these enduring songs, with their message of hope for better times and love for the Lord accross racial and cultural divides.

He further informed us that the first song, an original composition that he created, was not a spiritual and was dedicated to the memory of a former mentor. He began by playing a few notes on the piano, no doubt to inform the choir of the key.

The lovely prayer song was performed a-cappella by the 27 strong choir with conviction and enthusiasm, the blending of the male and female voices, flawless. The unusual distinctive low-pitched final amen made the fully delivered promise of some refreshing and original arrangements.

Opera tenor Dr. Gary Burgess was soloist in the next song, "Glory, Glory, Glory to the New Born King". His powerful trained tenor was supported by a somewhat complex swirling arrangement of the choral voices.

"Deep River" followed with Marcelle Clamens taking the lead. This was my first time hearing the acclaimed Bermudian opera singer. Her performance was full of emotion, her gestures and amazing voice making the song particularly outstanding.

Calvin White's nice tenor and more straightforward delivery, with a Bermudian accent refreshingly present, was a welcome contrast to the classical styling of the two opera singers. "Every Time I Feel The Spirit" felt more like a folk song and while trained singers fill me with awe, I am always pleased to hear the musical Bermudian accent in our speech and performance.

Next was a particularly poignant moment with the performance of the second song that was a not a spiritual, the exquisitely worded "Abide With Me". With the charm of an old love song (to God) and the sweetness of a lullaby it was certainly among the most moving of the set. Audience members audibly gasped at its completion.

The use of soloists with voices most suited to the songs gave each a rather distinctive feel. Philip Spencer's light tenor gave a bittersweet texture to the sad "There's A Man Goin' Round", a song about death.

Sophia Ebanks strong liquid delivery made "Wade In The Water" the earthiest of the evening, her exciting guttural voice and range feeling the most modern whilst capturing most the essence of the spiritual.

"Elijah Rock" and "The Battle of Jericho" were arranged with wonderful vocal rhythms, the latter particularly unusual. Both uplifting and up-tempo these songs were dynamic and somewhat theatrical in delivery.

The staccato "Elijah Rock" at one point dissolved stunningly into a smooth bridge with the women singing "If I could I surely would/ Stand on the rock where Moses stood" only for the song to pick up suddenly again and crescendo to a rousing and roaring end.

"The Battle of Jericho", although completely recognisable, was imbued with new life in Moses Hogan's treatment.

At the end of the performance the packed church rose in thunderous and well-deserved ovation. "Ride On Jesus" led by Dr. Burgess, was the encore performance in the second piano-accompanied song of the evening.

A performance for the Festival Fringe of the Bermuda Festival for the Performance Arts 2002, "Traditional Spirituals" had as much polish and professionalism as any of the shows I have witnessed this festival season.

Filled with innovation, artistry and enthusiasm it is unfortunate that it is only a one-night event. Delighted word of mouth could undoubtedly fill the venue for a few more nights.