‘Rapture’ to debut July 23 at Powers

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Symphonic Art Inc. will present “Rapture,” a new oratorio created and produced by Darren Thomas, at 6 p.m. July 23 at Powers Auditorium, 260 Federal Plaza West.

More than 100 vocalists and musicians will gather on the main stage for this world premiere. Thomas’ vocalists are known as MPAC for Music & Performing Arts Chorale. Involved in the production are Alton Merrell Jr., musical director; Regina Perry-Lisbon, vocal director; G. LeRon Rainey, production director; jazz trumpeter Sean Jones, artistic director for Cleveland & Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestras; Steve Hawk, professor of music at Slippery Rock University; Jeff Bush and Eric Defade of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra; concert soprano Dione Parker Bennett; Gospel artist Brandon Hollis; international artist Debbie Moncrieft; concert tenor Chris Fizwater; and Cleveland Institute of Music string section.

Tickets are available at the Powers Box office, www.symphonicart.org and www.mpac.eventbrite.com. For information, call 330-402-0244.