11 Apr 2025, 11:13Pr Wilfred Masih, Edited by SM CommunicationsInverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Church Hosts First-Ever Gospel Fest
The Gospel Fest in Inverness on 5th April 2025 brought together over 120 attendees for a day of diverse gospel music performances and fellowship, highlighting the power of music to unite people.
On Saturday 5th April, over 120 people gathered at Inverness Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church for the first-ever Gospel Fest in the city – a day of worship and celebration through gospel music.
The festival was formally opened by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Inverness, Susie Swift, who expressed her appreciation for the event and its positive impact on the community, highlighting the unique ability of music to bridge cultures and bring people together. Concluding with a reading of Psalm 47, Swift wished for the positive spirit of the event to ripple through the community, spreading joy and hope.
Following Susie Swift’s address, Pastor Ratko Risteski from Paisley SDA Church offered a brief reflection on the role of music in worship and its power to unite communities.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of musicians, each offering a unique contribution to the day’s celebration. The Highland Voices Gospel Choir from Inverness, known for their appearances on BBC Alba, delivered a powerful performance that spanned multiple genres.
British opera singer and musical director of The Highland Voices, Tony Henry, also took the stage, offering a memorable performance marked by his powerful tenor voice. With experience performing in prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the European Chamber Opera, Tony’s career has taken him around the world, including a notable performance at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on New Year’s Eve 2009. His genuine approach to music and ability to connect with the audience added a special depth to the festival.
The Ukrainian Adventist Choir brought a soulful performance in both Ukrainian and English, moving the audience with harmonies that spoke to the universal power of music to unite and inspire.
Lucas and Jordana Machado from Southampton shared original gospel compositions, while Echo, a singing group from Edinburgh and Dunfermline, along with a singing group from the local SDA church, also graced the stage, contributing to the diversity of musical styles and expressions.
Alistair Watson from Elgin brought a unique flavour to the festival with country and western gospel songs, illustrating how different musical traditions can blend meaningfully in worship.
During the break, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and visited a health exhibition staffed by qualified nurses, who offered free blood pressure checks and health resources. The break also provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in conversation and make new connections.
Reflecting on the day, Pastor Wil Masih expressed his joy in collaborating with Tony Henry, the Highland Voices Gospel Choir, the Ukrainian Adventist Choir, and others to bring high-quality gospel music to the Highlands. He emphasised that such collaborations are crucial in strengthening community bonds.
Pastor Masih also highlighted the presence of people from various faith backgrounds, who came together through the music and expressed their appreciation for being part of the event.
Photos and videos from the event will be available for viewing soon.
The Gospel Fest in Inverness on 5th April 2025 brought together over 120 attendees for a day of diverse gospel music performances and fellowship, highlighting the power of music to unite people.
On Saturday 5th April, over 120 people gathered at Inverness Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church for the first-ever Gospel Fest in the city – a day of worship and celebration through gospel music.
The festival was formally opened by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Inverness, Susie Swift, who expressed her appreciation for the event and its positive impact on the community, highlighting the unique ability of music to bridge cultures and bring people together. Concluding with a reading of Psalm 47, Swift wished for the positive spirit of the event to ripple through the community, spreading joy and hope.
Following Susie Swift’s address, Pastor Ratko Risteski from Paisley SDA Church offered a brief reflection on the role of music in worship and its power to unite communities.
The festival featured a diverse lineup of musicians, each offering a unique contribution to the day’s celebration. The Highland Voices Gospel Choir from Inverness, known for their appearances on BBC Alba, delivered a powerful performance that spanned multiple genres.
British opera singer and musical director of The Highland Voices, Tony Henry, also took the stage, offering a memorable performance marked by his powerful tenor voice. With experience performing in prestigious venues like the Royal Albert Hall and the European Chamber Opera, Tony’s career has taken him around the world, including a notable performance at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on New Year’s Eve 2009. His genuine approach to music and ability to connect with the audience added a special depth to the festival.
The Ukrainian Adventist Choir brought a soulful performance in both Ukrainian and English, moving the audience with harmonies that spoke to the universal power of music to unite and inspire.
Lucas and Jordana Machado from Southampton shared original gospel compositions, while Echo, a singing group from Edinburgh and Dunfermline, along with a singing group from the local SDA church, also graced the stage, contributing to the diversity of musical styles and expressions.
Alistair Watson from Elgin brought a unique flavour to the festival with country and western gospel songs, illustrating how different musical traditions can blend meaningfully in worship.
During the break, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and visited a health exhibition staffed by qualified nurses, who offered free blood pressure checks and health resources. The break also provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in conversation and make new connections.
Reflecting on the day, Pastor Wil Masih expressed his joy in collaborating with Tony Henry, the Highland Voices Gospel Choir, the Ukrainian Adventist Choir, and others to bring high-quality gospel music to the Highlands. He emphasised that such collaborations are crucial in strengthening community bonds.
Pastor Masih also highlighted the presence of people from various faith backgrounds, who came together through the music and expressed their appreciation for being part of the event.
Photos and videos from the event will be available for viewing soon.
