Umbria Jazz

The Benedict Gospel Choir  from South Carolina is a dynamic and energic group of 30 elements. Created by Reverend Darryl Izzard, the choir has become an icon among the greatest exponents of gospel music in the USA. The winner of five out of seven editions of the prestigious Black Music Caucus Choir Competition of New York, the Benedict Gospel Choir draws on various genres (gospel, spiritual, blues, reggae and African traditional music). The choir performed together with many renowned artists such as Tramaine Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, Donald Lawrence (Tri-City Singers), Ricky Dillard (New Generation Chorale of Chicago), Norman Hutchins, O’landa Draper & The Associates, and participated in important events such as the Christmas Concert in the Vatican (2000) and the Christmas Concert in Monte Carlo. Internationally speaking, the choir has toured Ghana, West Africa, Caracas, Venezuela, and Bogotá. The choir has recently performed for the Prince and Princess of Monaco. The group has been seen and listened to by millions of people through TV and radio performances worldwide. It has been the number one choir among the college gospel choir in the USA for more than a decade, obtaining important awards from the National Black Music Caucus of New York and the HBCU National Hall of Fame.


“Gospel Explosion” Benedict Gospel Choir