Kingdom Choir performs at Center for the Arts

Mar. 18—Wednesday evening, in a cooperation between the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation and the Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thomasville was visited by the Kingdom Choir, also known as, the royal wedding choir, all the way from London, UK.

After issues with travel delayed their performance, which had initially been scheduled for Tuesday, Karen Gibson, the award-winning conductor and founder of the choir, said that they were nervous, but happy to finally be in Thomasville.

"Thank you for changing your plans from whatever you had to do tonight," Gibson said. "I'm glad you're with us."

Formed 30 years ago, the Kingdom Choir has traveled across the UK and beyond for their performances, even sharing their gospel music at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018.

Gibson said that as a gospel choir, it is their calling to tell the good news and share the gospel in their hearts about Jesus Christ.

"And as a gospel choir "we feel that this is our vignette, to go tell the good news of the gospel, to share the gospel of the Lord, Jesus Christ.," Gibson said.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for the Arts, the Kingdom Choir performed many songs over the course of the hour and a half show, including "I Say A Little Prayer," "Stand by Me," and one of their most recent original releases, "Not Giving Up," alongside other favorites.

Getting the audience up and dancing throughout the show, Gibson said that she wondered what the world would be like if everyone shined for each other.

"I do wonder what the world would be like if we were to shine as much as we possibly can," she said. "I wonder what the world would be, I wonder what our schools would be, what our families would be like, what would the government be like if we all decided to light the light inside ourself and shine for each other."

A part of the Thomasville Entertainment Foundation's 85th performance season, Rick Ivey, the executive and artistic director, wrote in a welcome to the attendees that it was the foundation's mission to continue bringing acclaimed artists to the Red Hills Region.

"As we have since our first concert in 1937, TEF continues to bring nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles to the Red Hills Region, providing opportunities for our fellow citizens to experience the best of the best right here in south Georgia," he said. "The forward-thinking group of music lovers who joined together to create this series in the midst of the Great Depression couldn't have known how long lasting and impactful their idea would be, but thanks to your support, TEF continues to offer a rich, robust line-up of live performances and educational outreach opportunities. And we truly couldn't do it without you."

The Kingdom Choir's current tour will be taking them to Gainesville, Florida on March 20 and Belle Glade, Florida on March 21 for their next performances.