DCINY to Bring Bluegrass and Americana to Carnegie Hall, 6/10

Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) brings the stirring sounds of bluegrass and Americana back to Carnegie Hall with an encore performance of Carol Barnett's The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass featuring superstar duo Dailey & Vincent, and the New York Premiere of John Purifoy's The Chronicles of Blue a Gray, a work which weaves American folk songs, spirituals and battle cries with tunes and lyrics from the post-Civil War era. Excellent choruses from six states form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International for the thrilling afternoon concert on Sunday, June 8 at 2:00pm at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage.

While bluegrass music and a church mass might seem like an unlikely pairing, it was the country music infused with a church flavor that inspired composer Carol Barnett to write The World Beloved: "My highest hope," says Barnett, "is that listeners coming from one tradition-classical or bluegrass-and perhaps dubious about the other might discover something new and wonderful in the combination." Award-winning composer Barnett teamed with poet, playwright and novelist Marisha Chamberlain for the work which blends modern choral sophistication, poetry and traditional bluegrass instrumentation into an exhilarating musical experience. DCINY Debut Conductor Jefferson Johnson leads the Distinguished Concerts Singers International and special guests, bluegrass superstars Dailey & Vincent. Dubbed the "rock stars of bluegrass" by CMT, the group is a perennial favorite on the touring and festival circuit, playing over 115 shows each year. Their many honors include two Grammy nominations and three consecutive International Bluegrass Music Association Awards for Entertainer of the Year. Dailey & Vincent will also perform a set of their own material from across their vast repertoire.

A perfect pairing for this concert on the Americana theme is the New York premiere of Chronicles of Blue & Gray by John Purifoy, Composer-in-Residence. Purifoy gathered a variety of material representing struggles and triumphs from the century and a half that has passed since the American Civil War, including texts from Lincoln's two Inaugurals, the Gettysburg Address, and the Emancipation Proclamation. New York judge and poet, Francis Miles Finch, who, two years after the war, penned the healing words, The Blue and the Gray. Acclaimed conductor, composer, writer and educator Michael Adelson, formerly on the conducting staff of the New York Philharmonic, conducts the Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and Singers International. DCINY Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Jonathan Griffith serves as Chorus Master.

Founded by Iris Derke (General Director) and Jonathan Griffith (Artistic Director and Principal Conductor) Distinguished Concerts International is driven by passion, innovative vision, a total belief in its artists, and unwavering commitment to bringing forth unforgettable audience experiences.

TICKETS $20 - 100: www.carnegiehall.org or 212-247-7800 or in person at the Carnegie Hall Box Office