Vibrant, Innovative
and Uplifting…
…just a few words used to describe one of New York’s
most remarkable vocal ensembles, Spiritus.
This cutting-edge group has been an integral part of the
ministry at Unity of New York since the church’s
inception in 1999.
Spiritus has attracted its members
from the stages of Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theaters
and national/international tours in productions such as
Les Miserables, Jekyll and Hyde, Sunset Boulevard, Jerome
Robbins’ Broadway, Carousel, Peter Pan, as well as
major resorts such as Mohegan Sun, cabarets, nightclubs, film, television
and recording studios. |
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Spiritus (Latin for “breath
of God”) was formed in 1996 by Rev. Paul Tenaglia
as a part of his vision for ministry that includes
the arts as an important part of the worship experience.
While in ministerial school at Unity Village, Missouri,
Paul received a vision for a professional vocal ensemble
not unlike The Manhattan Transfer but with a spiritual
focus. Five years later Spiritus was
born.
In 2003, Spiritus burst
onto the national scene in Kansas City at the Unity
People’s Conference, where they were showered
with invitations from around the country to share their
music. Debbie Ball, Convention Coordinator, said “We
were truly blessed by the awesome performance of Spiritus.
This amazing group of musicians had the audience on
their feet with standing ovation after standing ovation.” Since
that time, Spiritus has indeed
shared their music ministry and touched many hearts
and lives at Unity churches and New Thought centers
around the country. The group has been featured at
numerous music symposiums, conferences, retreats and
celebrations and has shared the stage with such luminaries
at Wayne Dyer, Arun Gandhi and Bishop John Shelby Spong,
to name a few.
Master prosperity teacher Edwene Gaines says “The
powerful music of Spiritus embraces
us with deeply healing love. With their profound talents,
they lift us into an immediate experience of the Divine.
They bring us the gift of grace.”
Author and minister Rosemary Fillmore Rhea, granddaughter
of Unity co-founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, says “Spiritus is
truly an outstanding, multi-talented vocal ensemble.
Their music inspires, heals and makes ones spirit dance.
It is as if the very best of Broadway is performing
just for you. If they are in your city, don’t
dare miss them because they will bless your soul.”
Award-winning Broadway producer, author and lecturer
Walter Starcke says “Spiritus makes
bubbles of joy rise in your soul. They lift you into
an experience you will never forget.”
Accomplished songwriter David Friedman says of Spiritus, “As
a secular writer of inspirational songs, I am always
searching for those rare singers who can deliver the
underlying spiritual message without sacrificing any
of the style, sound or vocal pyrotechnics that my songs
often demand. With their unique voices blending together
to create a sound that runs the gamut from spiritual
to secular, rock to theatre, jazz to classical, Spiritus does
it all. They never fail to raise people’s spirits
while raising their consciousness. I feel privileged
to write for Spiritus, and
when I hear them sing my songs, I realize I’ve
been writing for them all my life.”
The mission of Spiritus is to
heal the world, one song at a time. They
are currently at work on their next CD, with grammy
award-winning producer Steve Ivey of Nashville, and
can be experienced regularly at Unity Church of New
York’s Sunday morning celebration services.
To purchase the self-titled CD, “Spiritus,” please
refer to our bookstore.
Spiritus: Steven Bogard, Toni Condos-Bennett, Jeffrey Elsass, Pamm Hamilton, Zoë Lyons, Marieann Meringolo, Rochelle Small Clifford and Britt Hall, director.
For further information, go to SpiritusNYC.com
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