From "The Preacher's Wife" to the Music of Prince
- AfterGlow Chorus
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
In August 2025, AfterGlow Chorus gathered at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland to perform a piece that sits at the intersection of Gospel soul and Classical structure: Richard Smallwood’s "I Love the Lord."
While many recognize this masterpiece from Whitney Houston’s performance in the film The Preacher’s Wife, our goal was to bring the full, layered power of a chamber choir to this arrangement.
A Landmark 10th-Anniversary Event in Oakland
This April, we are bringing that same vocal intensity back to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland for a special tribute. Purple Reign marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Prince, an artist who—much like Richard Smallwood—refused to be defined by a single genre.
The program is a sophisticated journey through the sounds that shaped a musical icon:
The Prince Evolution: New arrangements of hits like “7,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Purple Rain.”
Gospel-Classical Mastery: Featuring Richard Smallwood’s cornerstone work, "Total Praise."
Choral Drive: The high-octane energy of Moses Hogan’s “My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord.”
Experience the Sound at Lake Merritt
There is no better setting for this repertoire than the stunning acoustics of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland, located right at Lake Merritt. Whether you are a lifelong Prince fan or an enthusiast of elite choral music in the East Bay, this 10th-anniversary milestone is a cultural moment designed to be experienced live.
Tickets are available now for our two-performance series. We recommend securing yours early for the best seating in the sanctuary.
Join us this April:
Sunday, April 19, 2026 (4:00 PM) GET TICKETS
Saturday, April 25, 2026 (7:30 PM) GET TICKETS
Comments