Guest artist Brian Stratton will join Howard Payne University’s Concert Choir for an evening of spirituals this Thursday, February 25. For nearly 22 years, Mr. Stratton was a member and featured soloist with the acclaimed Moses Hogan Chorale and Singers. Before Mr. Hogan’s untimely passing in 2003, Mr. Stratton was asked to conduct the last concert appearance of the Moses Hogan Singers at Calvin College in October 2002. Join us Thursday as Mr. Stratton conducts HPU’s Concert Choir in a performance of four of Moses Hogan’s compositions/arrangements. In addition, Mr. Stratton will sing several of Hogan’s solo arrangements of well-known spirituals.

A native of New Orleans, Mr. Stratton received his Bachelor of Music degree in vocal and instrumental music performance from Loyola University of New Orleans. His concert performances and over a dozen recordings have received wide acclaim worldwide.

Additionally, Mr. Stratton sang on the CD “Voices” on the Windham Hill label, and with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on their CD “An American Heritage of Spirituals.” An enthusiastic promoter of music education, Mr. Stratton enthusiastically encourages arts education for children around the nation. He is currently the Assistant Choral Director at Oscar Dean Wyatt High School, and Organist/Choirmaster of the Traditional Choir, Holy Family Catholic Church, both in Fort Worth, TX.

The concert will be Thursday, February 25, 7:30 pm at First Baptist Church and is free and open to the public.