The St. Louis Symphony has appointed Kevin McBeth, director of music at the Manchester United Methodist Church, as the new director of the IN UNISON chorus. The IN UNISON chorus members attend more than 30 churches in the St. Louis African American community.
Fred Bronstein, president and CEO of the St. Louis Symphony says McBeth will continue to bring the chorus's music to a wider audience.
"Right now, they do certain concerts, but I think last year was the first time they sang on the subscription series. We'd like to do more of that. I think that Kevin shares that view of what the chorus is capable of. And the more they can be part of the institution and represent the institution is a really positive thing."
McBeth will be just the second director in the chorus's history. Founder Dr. Robert Ray retired after 15 years at the end of last season. McBeth's first concert as director will be the annual celebration of Black History month in February.