Celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage with a captivating concert, featuring a range of genres from gospel to Gershwin. As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, this performance highlights the historical music that has shaped both Charleston and the nation. Experience a 75-minute show filled with light classics heard at concerts of the St. Cecelia Society, gospel spirituals, Civil War songs, music of George Gershwin, and classic jazz that entertains and educates. Join us at the Circular Congregational Church for an evening where history and music intertwine, culminating in the beloved "Amazing Grace", composed by John Newton, who worshipped in your concert venue, Circular Congregational Church, to conclude the night.
In this 250th anniversary year of the American Revolution and the country’s birth, we invite you to come listen to the music that has been so much a part of America’s…and Charleston’s history. From classical music heard at St Cecelia Society concerts in 1766-1820, to gospel music sung by enslaved Africans from time of the Revolution through the Civil War, spirituals from the American Revolution through the Civil War s, to jazz and Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” in the 1900’s, music has helped define the past with all its struggles and triumphs. This will educate, entertain, and evoke emotions as you experience the city and the country’s musical heritage.
We learned about this from a flyer at the visitor center. All the performers were truly talented. It was a nice mix of musical styles. Everything moved right along, and the host was quite entertaining as well without being overbearing. The church is a beautiful space and acoustically lovely. A very enjoyable event and just the right length.
We bought tickets on a whim after seeing the banner outside the church that hosts the concert. It proved to be one of the most spontaneous and fun decisions of our trip. The Bright Family Singers were an absolute highlight. The theme of the show on the evening we went was 250 years of history told through song. The MC is a talented and engaging host and musician, the crowd is invited to participate (don't be scared - you don't leave your seat) and the event felt like we arrived in a community. It's not overly fancy or produced...just very authentic and fun. My only wish was that there was a little more from the Bright Family as I didn't want it to end! The time of the show was 7-8pm, which was perfect. Not too early...not too late.
Lovely voices and talented piano players. A little over an hour. Most attendees were the 60+ crowd. I have teenagers and they didn’t end up coming which ended up being good. This performance is geared for an older crowd to appreciate the most.
The Sounds of Charleston concert was one of our favorite experiences while in Charleston for a sibling reunion. The variety and quality of talent we heard that evening was not only memorable but was presented in an intimate manor that made you feel very connected to the performance rather than just one of many ticket buyers. I would recommend the concert to anyone who wants to learn some local history while listening to some amazing and fun music.
What a wonderful performance by all the very talented entertainers that performed. It was just a last minute spur of the moment decision to attend. I highly recommend others to see this group of performers. They are spectacular.
A captivating 1-1/4 hour! The four of us can’t say enough about how professional, informative and entertaining. Our advice…..don’t miss it! We will return!
This is our second time for this specific program, and we enjoy it so much. All performers are wonderful and ready to share their joy for the season. The cost of admission is very reasonable, and you should enjoy the atmosphere in the circular church.
A soulful concert with great performances showcasing musical styles over 250 years. I stayed over in Charleston longer than planned, and this concert was one of the highlights of my trip.
We thoroughly enjoyed the Sound of Charleston show. The musical time line was very interesting and the talent was phenomenal!
Amazing range of locally-inspired music by very talented musicians. My favorites were the soprano numbers and the gospel trio.
