The Akron Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Christopher Wilkins will be joined by the inspirational voices of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir to present Gospel Meets Symphony on February 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert – one of Northeast Ohio’s proudest and most enduring musical traditions – will feature the Orchestra as well as a variety of inspirational songs performed by some of the area’s best musicians and vocalists. In addition, 190 people from 77 area churches will make up the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir.

Highlights include popular gospel songs such as Rock-a My Soul, Glorious Is Thy Name and Blessed Assurance.

This year’s performance will mark the debut of Jonathon Turner as Choirmaster for the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir.

“I could not be more excited to serve as the Choirmaster for the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir,” Turner said. “This will begin my 10th year working with the Akron Symphony and what a joyful journey it has been. I have had the enormous pleasure of serving under the leadership of Jennifer Mekel Jones and Maestro Christopher Wilkins and am honored to carry the torch forward.”

In addition, the Gospel Meets Symphony 2.0 Choir, the first junior gospel choir in the 25-year history of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir, will perform on a pair of songs – Long As I Got King Jesus and Hosanna.

Tickets for Gospel Meets Symphony start at just $25 and are available online or by calling the Symphony Box Office at 330.535.8131. Tickets may also be purchased at the door on the night of the concert as long as seats are available.

The performance will take place at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, which is located at 198 Hill Street. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

There is another event related to the performance.

Jonathon Turner will be the guest speaker at a special dinner on February 6 at 6 p.m.

Jonathon is in his first season as Choirmaster of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir, which serves as the inspirational voice of the Akron Symphony Orchestra’s annual Gospel Meets Symphony concert. He has also spent several years as a member of the Gospel Meets Symphony Rhythm Section, and this past season served as a guest conductor at Gospel Meets Symphony.

The dinner, which is presented by the Akron Symphony Guild and open to the public, will be held at Guy’s Party Center, located at 500 East Waterloo Road in Akron. Tickets are $25 per person and guests will have the choice of Chicken Piccata, Pork Tenderloin or a Chef’s Vegetarian Special. Reservations must be received by January 31.

Tickets are available online or by calling the Akron Symphony Office at 330.535.8131 for more information.