Maestro Andre’ Raphel

Date: Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 at 5:00 PM

Location: St. Martin de Porres Church, 1119 W Bancroft Street, Toledo, Ohio

St. Martin de Porres Parish is sponsoring the 26th Annual Evening with the Toledo Symphony on Feb. 28, 2016 at 5:00 PM. at the Church, 1119 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, Ohio. The concert, part of the Black history Month observance and entitled Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit will feature a program of spirituals remembering the special role that they had in the lives of African Americans, especially for those who were slaves.

Maestro Andre’ Raphel, of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, will conduct the Symphony in a program that will invite the audience into the depths and the exhilaration of the spirituals. In addition to the spirituals other music that reflects the contributions of African to the classical music venue will be explored.

The Katharine Drexel Award will be given to two individuals who embody the spirit of St. Katharine Drexel, the founder of the Blessed Sacrament Sisters. St. Katharine Drexel founded over sixty schools for Black and Native American children. She also founded Xavier University in New Orleans.

Ann Marie Bolden will receive the Katharine Drexel award because of her dedication to the education of children, having taught at Gunckel and Washington Schools in Toledo. During her career she directed the 5th-6th grade choir which was invited to sing at the Ohio State Fair and also to appear on WTOL-TV. After retiring she became a member of the Toledo Symphony League, and in that role, with Josephine Bester, a friend, approached Father Martin Donnelly about bringing the Symphony into the Central City, specifically St Ann’s church. (later St. Martin de Porres). Her role in the first of the concerts is being recognized at the concert this year.

Curtis Cotton, Sr. former Principal of Roger’s High School, and member of the Clarence Smith Community Chorus, St. Martin de Pore Choir and parish, will be honor post-humously. His wife, Martha Cotton, will receive the award for him Shuttle parking is available at Swayne Field.

Tickets for the Concert are on sale at the Parish, 1119 W Bancroft Street, (419) 241-4544 for $15 and $20 at the door.

For more information call: Sister Virginia Welsh or Rochelle Hite at (419) 241-4544.