The enduring legacy and tradition of the Negro Spiritual will be seen as the University of North Georgia Chorale and Office of Student Activities host the Georgia Spiritual Ensemble.

The Georgia Spiritual Ensemble sings traditional and arranged choral and solo spirituals popularized throughout the 20th century. Born out of the horrific conditions through which the enslaved Africans suffered during their early days of existence in this country, the songs were just one of the tools used to inform the world of their plight, sufferings and feelings.

The spiritual allowed them to talk to God about a life and a home to which they longed to return. Because of the strong musical legacy the spiritual possesses, and the horrific conditions under which it “sprang” into existence, it continues to maintain its original haunting quality and its uncanny beauty and dignity.

A series of events of the ensemble will be Thursday, Feb. 23 at different venues. It will begin with a master class from 3:30–5 p.m. in the lobby of the Ed Cabell Theatre on the UNG Gainesville campus at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood. As part of the master class, the ensemble will discuss the history and performance practice of the spiritual and will work with several singers.

The ensemble will then present a concert of spirituals at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church at 751 Green St. NW in Gainesville. Both events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call Benjamin Schoening at 678-717-3676.