Expecting a paywall?
Not our style.

We are on a mission to create a more informed public. Your contribution will sustain trustworthy journalism, available to everyone. Can you help?

Yes, I’ll Donate
© 2025 St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis Public Radio is a listener-supported service of the University of Missouri–St. Louis.
St. Louis Public Radio
BBC World Service
St. Louis Public Radio
BBC World Service
Next Up: 0:00 AM BBC World Service
0:00
0:00
BBC World Service
St. Louis Public Radio
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON Chorus celebrates 20th anniversary in Ferguson

Dilip Vishwanat

The St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON Chorus will perform its annual community concert Sunday, April 26 at Greater Grace Church in Ferguson.

Founded 20 years ago under the leadership of Robert Ray, the chorus became a permanent staple with the symphony after a single performance. Directed by Kevin McBeth, the chorus consists of participants from around 40 churches and features music that reflects African and African American culture.

When IN UNISON was founded, the St. Louis Symphony Chorus had already earned a nationwide reputation

“We think the St. Louis Symphony organization is unique in being one of the only orchestras that supports two choruses,” McBeth said.

IN UNISON manager Susan Patterson says the advisory board chose to have the concert in Ferguson after the recent events surrounding the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown.

“The IN UNISON Chorus specializes in repertoire that reflects the African and African-American community, and they do so very authentically,” Patterson said. “It is a wonderful sound that they create that is unique to them.”

Rollo Dilworth, a professor of music at Temple University and an original member of the IN UNISON Chorus, will serve as guest conductor of this year’s community concert.

The theme of the concert, Dilworth says, will be centered on hope and better times ahead for the St. Louis region. The program will include eight pieces composed by Dilworth with an opening anthem entitled “Justice.”

Dilworth explained that the program is not serving as a political message, but as a cultural example of the relationship between African-Americans and the church.

“In the African-American community in particular, people come to churches in the community to gather for hope and inspiration all the time,” Dilworth said. “We hope that this music will support that.”

Related event

St. Louis Symphony's IN UNISON Chorus Community Concert

  • When: Sunday, April 26, 2015 7:00 p.m.
  • Where: Greater Grace Church, 3690 Pershall Rd. in Ferguson
  • More information

“Cityscape” is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and sponsored in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.

Support Local Journalism

St. Louis Public Radio is a non-profit, member-supported, public media organization. Help ensure this news service remains strong and accessible to all with your contribution today.