The Gospel Music Association of Canada announced this week that You Are Holy, a CD produced by the Kingswood University Chorale, has been nominated for the 2012 Covenant Award as Inspirational Album of the Year.
Celebrating the best in Canadian Christian music, the Covenant Awards are sponsored by the Gospel Music Association of Canada, which was created in 1974 to promote the growth and ministry of Christian music in Canada. Their prestigious music awards are presented in recognition of outstanding achievement and musical excellence. In a sense, the awards are the Canadian equivalent of the Dove Awards, which are sponsored by the Gospel Music Association in the United States.
Other nominees for the 2012 Covenant Awards include internationally-known Christian artists and bands, such as Starfield, newworldson, Matt Maher, Manafest, downhere, Cindy Morgan, and The City Harmonic. Kingswood University is the only college or university listed to receive a nomination this year.
Kingswood’s CD, You Are Holy, is a collection of ten songs incorporating a wide variety of music styles. The chorale sings a traditional a cappella version of the triumphant hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” and an African-inspired version of "The Lord's Prayer" that is sung in Swahili, called "Baba Yetu." Other songs include a classical choral piece named "Lord of the Small," an energetic and entertaining gospel song entitled "A God Like You," and contemporary choral selections. The Saint John String Quartet plays the strings for two songs on the album.
“The students worked very hard to produce a CD that represents the ideals of the Music Ministry program at Kingswood University, that of musical precision and ministry passion,” said program director and chorale conductor, Mr. David Klob. “This nomination is an encouraging recognition of their high level of achievement.”
The 2012 Covenant Awards will be presented on November 7 in Burlington, Ontario, which is part of the greater Toronto area. You are Holy is available through the university’s website, kingswood.edu/faith/chorale.