American Gospels - Dennis Jale, Donna Rhodes & The Morris Family at St. Stephen’s Cathedral

When the spirit of American gospel meets the pre-Christmas atmosphere, it’s time for American Gospels.

Dennis Jale welcomes Donna Rhodes & The Morris Family from Nashville, Tennessee. Together, they bring the music from America’s churches and living rooms – and its great gospel tradition – to Vienna.

The programme centres on songs such as ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Amen’, ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Stand by Me’, along with other gospel classics. With ‘Crying in the Chapel’ and ‘Where No One Stands Alone’, the programme also features two pieces closely linked to the musical world of Elvis Presley.

Donna Rhodes has a special connection to this music. As a backing singer for Elvis Presley, she was part of the recording sessions for ‘Suspicious Minds’, ‘In the Ghetto’, ‘Don’t Cry Daddy’ and ‘Kentucky Rain’. She has also worked with Al Green, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Paul Anka and Roy Orbison.

Her husband, Craig Morris, performed in the studio and on stage with Ray Charles in the 1980s and also worked with Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn. Together with their children, Sam and Savannah Morris, the family brings the musical tradition of Nashville to Vienna.

Dennis Jale blends the musical tradition of American songs with his passion for gospel and rock ’n’ roll. The result is a festive evening at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, filled with pre-Christmas joy, emotion and that spiritual power which, particularly in St Stephen’s Cathedral, really gets under your skin.

Bring on the Advent season: with American Gospels – Dennis Jale, Donna Rhodes & The Morris Family.

The net proceeds from this concert will go towards the restoration projects run by the ‘Unser Stephansdom’ association.