On Friday, November 6, Morton Ranch and Katy High School choirs are presenting a free concert to the community. Both high school choirs will perform "Gospel Mass" led by legendary conductor and composer Dr. Robert Ray.

Dr. Ray's "Gospel Mass" was first composed in 1978 and performed by the University of Illinois' Black Chorus while Ray was a liturgy team leader for the National Office of Black Catholics.

According to Dr. Ray's website, this work is "Dr. Ray's interpretation of two thousand years of liturgical tradition with the more contemporary music of the African-American Church."

The composer is quoted as saying: "It is my desire to combine centuries of old traditions of Mass settings with sounds of the contemporary Black Church. The move from Latin to English created new opportunities for composers to express their feelings about the texts of the Ordinary of the Mass. I wanted everyone to experience the sense of joy and celebration that is generally felt in true African-American worship".

The concert will be held Friday evening, November 6, at the Performing Arts Center of Morton Ranch High School starting at 7:00 pm. Morton Ranch High School is located at 21000 Franz Road in Katy.

You can visit www.robertraysgospelmass.com for more information. Morton Ranch High School is listed as an event destination under Dr. Ray's 2009 performances.

Legendary conductor and composer Dr. Robert Ray visits MRHS