Charlotte, N.C. / November 23, 2025 - The Johnson C. Smith University Concert Choir held its 2025 Vespers Concert, “The Gift,”on the evening of November 23, 2025, inside the historic Jane M. Smith Memorial Church. The festive affair showcased the vocal mastery, musicality, and breathtaking range of the choir and ensemble groups under the direction of Dr. Angela Brooks, Director of Choral Activities. Musical accompaniment was provided with warmth and dimension by Mr. Frank Williams and Mr. Frank McGinnis.
The program featured a rich blend of classical Christmas selections and gospel-infused interpretations of traditional works—including a spirited arrangement of “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, arranged by John Higgins and performed dynamically by the JCSU Gospel Choir. Dr. Brooks explained how the repertoire was curated to tell the full story of Christmas.
“We wanted to center the theme around the fact that the story doesn’t end with the baby in the manger. We had to select repertoire that told the fuller story,” she said. “Not only how Christ came to us as a baby and how that was foretold in scripture, but the reminder that the work of Christmas begins after the shepherds have gone home and the star has faded. How we love one another—that is the true meaning of Christmas," Brooks revealed.
Audiences were also treated to vibrant African interludes that added cultural depth, movement, and rhythmic dynamism to the evening’s event. The transitions framed the concert’s reflective moments, including graceful performances of “The Word Was God” by Rosephanye Powell and “Dormi Jesu” by B. E. Boykin, each delivered with precision and emotional resonance.
Dr. Brooks recounted the significance of the musical achievement.
“The beautiful thing is that we were able to utilize all three ensembles [the University Choir, the Swing Choir, the Gospel Choir]. Each ensemble learned its own pieces, and then we put the puzzle together to create the full experience.”
A pinnacle moment emerged when the choir delivered a rousing performance of “Clap Praise” by Diane White-Clayton. The piece showcased an intricate choreography of syncopated clapping and layered vocal lines, all anchored by the exceptional solo work of Alaneah Nealey and Dean Martin. Their powerful voices uplifted the audience and embodied the concert’s theme: that each person carries a gift worth sharing.
Dr. Craig Bell, President of the JCSU National Alumni Association, called Vespers one of the institution’s signature traditions.
“I thought the concert was absolutely wonderful,” he said. “This is one of the major events at Smith. We have Homecoming, we have Commencement—but what many people miss is Vespers. And Vespers is the perfect way to begin the Christmas season."
Throughout the evening, the choir moved seamlessly from piece to piece, guiding listeners through the full arc of the Christmas narrative—from prophecy to promise, from birth to blessing.
Dr. Angela White, Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management shared a sense of awe and gratitude.
“Oh my goodness—tonight’s festival program was phenomenal,” she said. “It was a beautiful showcase of the gifts of our students and the many multifaceted talents we have right here at JCSU.”
The message of "the gift" echoed through every selection, reminding the audience that the performance was not only a concert, but a call to carry light into the world.
“Tonight was nothing short of fantastic,” said Dr. Anita Bledsoe Gardner, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “It was joyful, it was soulful, it was holy—all wrapped into one. If you weren’t here, you truly missed a treat. Come see our JCSU Choir. And feel free to donate at jcsu.com.”
The night concluded with a stirring benediction. Representing the academic heart of campus, Provost Patrick Martin offered closing reflections that tied the evening’s artistry to the season’s meaning.
“Let me step to the side, because the true stars are right here,” he said, gesturing to the choir behind him. “When we talk about gifts, tonight’s open doors allowed all of us to witness many of them—gifts of talent from our extraordinary students at Johnson C. Smith University.
Senior choir member Steven Sullivan shared gifts of gratitude with choir leaders on stage. Ultimately, “The Gift” lived up to its name. It was a gift of music, a gift of reflection, and a gift of community—one that left attendees inspired, uplifted, and ready to embrace the true meaning of the season.
