Voices of Triumph Gospel Community Choir to perform in concert

The Voices of Triumph Gospel Community Choir will appear in concert at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19, in Hill Hall at the Parchment Valley Conference Center in Ripley.

The free one-hour program is sponsored by West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Social Justice Committee. The concert is open to the public.

The Voices of Triumph Gospel Community Choir represents the cultural, racial and religious diversity of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Members include students, parents, grandparents, office workers, caregivers and ordinary church members of all ages who share a passion for a ministry of singing.

The ensemble began in 1999 with members representing churches from throughout the area. Its name is derived from Psalm 47: "O clap your hands, all ye people: shout unto God with the voice of triumph."

In addition to area churches, the choir has performed at the Smoot Theater, Marietta College, Ohio University, West Virginia University at Parkersburg, Parkersburg High School , and Marietta High School as well as at community events, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, 9/11 remembrance services, Joyful Noise Easter Seal Society and O'Neill Senior Center in Marietta Fund Raiser, Black History Month programs, and outdoor concerts such as the Relay For Life, Parkersburg Multi Cultural Festival, Annual Mayor’s Lighting of the Christmas Tree, DuPont Washington Works Picnic, and Ministry In Unity’s Revival in the Park.

The Choir is actively involved in ministry to the shut-ins at Eagle Point Nursing Home and participates in many charity events, including the Gospelfest Singsation to raise money for Sumner Museum & Community Center, the Holidayfest Singsation Concert to raise money for the building of the fellowship hall for Whitman Chapel AME Church, and The Reverend Lisa Taylor fundraiser concert. The Voices sponsor an annual musical showcase featuring local area schools and vocal groups and currently have a partnership with WVU Parkersburg.