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SALISBURY, MD---Created in the fields and plantation houses of the old South, the spiritual allowed slaves to secretly communicate through singing.

That musical art form returns to Salisbury Friday, February 13, as the American Spiritual Ensemble performs 8 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church.

Back by popular demand, the world-renowned singing group, which last performed in Salisbury in 2012 to a sold-out house and standing ovations, includes Salisbury University music faculty John Wesley Wright.

The ensemble also hosts a series of master classes for ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõvoice students. Master classes are 12:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, February 10 and 12, in the Great Hall of Holloway Hall. Admission to the master classes is free and the public is invited.

Founded by Dr. Everett McCorvey in 1995, the Ensemble strives to keep the tradition of American Negro spirituals alive. It has performed throughout the world, including such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan and New York City operas. It also has been broadcast as part of the PBS documentary The Spirituals and performed in Ireland for the national celebration of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s historic 1963 visit to that country.

Sponsored by the Department of Music, the concert is part of SU’s African-American History Month celebration. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors age 60 and older, $10 for ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõfaculty and staff, $5 for non-³ÉÈ˶¶Òõstudents. ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõstudent ID holders receive one ticket free. Advance tickets are available at the Guerrieri University Center Information Desk, Asbury United Methodist Church and online at http://salisbury-university.ticketleap.com/ase-salisbury beginning the week of January 19.

For more information call 410-543-6385 or visit the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõWeb site at www.salisbury.edu/.