Dr. Andre J Thomas was recently announced as the new Associate Artist at the London Symphony Orchestra.
As part of his new role, Professor Emeritus at Florida State University will work alongside the LSO conductors. Thomas will be given the opportunity to expand on his Afro-American influences and work on his own programs. Joining conductor Barbara Hannigan who was announced as an Associate Artist in February, he will also help make decisions on which other programs will be added throughout the season.
He is set to make his debut with “André J Thomas: A Celebration of Gospel Music” on May 29. Performing a set of traditionals, the conductor will be joined by the London Community Gospel Choir, according to LSO.
With his new appointment, Thomas becomes the first and only Black conductor on LSO’s roster this year.
“It is a huge honor for me to join the LSO family of artists, the audience reception to our gospel and jazz concerts to date has been inspiring, and what is also exciting is the willingness and ease with which the LSO players develop a rapport with this music,” said Thomas in a statement.
“I am looking forward to introducing more of the emerging Afro-American composing talent to audiences in the UK, whose influences and references include the great American gospel tradition, which in turn develops a unique African American musical voice,” he added.
Although he initially disliked the genre, Thomas rose to prominence in the musical world for the gospel and African American spiritual components of his music.
Known for religious pieces such as “Sing Unto God” and “Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy,” Thomas brought his influences to the forefront of his music not only in lyrics but also in his use of a choir. Using large choirs, the conductor built upon the traditional gospel choir sound, mixing it with classical and other spiritual elements.
Throughout his career, Thomas has worked alongside a variety of orchestras in different countries. Serving as a guest conductor, he’s worked with England’s Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Germany’s Berlin Radio Choir and the North German Radio Choir as well as the Bulgarian Radio Choir and the Netherlands’ Radio Choir amongst others.
Also a professor of music, Thomas has worked with students at schools such as the University of Texas, the Yale School of Music and Florida State University where he served as the Owen F. Sellers Professor Music and the director of choral activities.
For his work conducting and teaching, Thomas has received the “Robert Shaw Award” from the American Choral Directors Association, the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the National Collegiate Choral Organization and the “Distinguished Service Award” from Chorus America.
The conductor has also been recognized by the Florida Music Educators’ Hall of Fame and has been named a Living Legend by the African Diaspora Sacred Music.
