Producer and Arts & Learning Conservatory’s founder/CEO, Debora Wondercheck, is a corporate leader with over 18 years of experience in program management, strategic programming, and workforce development. This year Wondercheck, Musco Center Presents, and Chapman University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will bring back the country’s premier showcase for storytelling of the Black experience with the 2024 Gospel Voices of O.C. concert to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 8.
This year’s theme, “Sacred Sounds, Soulful Queens,” will honor women who helped shaped the nation’s creative history. Gospel Voices of O.C., an artistic concert in conjunction with Juneteenth, will return for its third season as a multi-generational presentation by diverse artists, highlighting the influence of gospel music as a source of historical impact and resiliency spanning from June 19, 1865, to the present.
With a focus on culturally inclusive art expressive training and education in over 50 schools throughout Southern California, Wondercheck is a cellist, orchestra conductor, and a professor of music who founded the nationally awarded Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC) 20 years ago. To commemorate the 20th anniversary on August 24, the ALC theater in Costa Mesa will host its grand opening. The non-profit provides youth with access to quality arts programs based on the values of accessibility, acceptance, confidence, and creativity. Gospel Voices of O.C. is the organization’s largest and most rewarding production because of its strong message and impact.
Related Links:
Celebrate Juneteenth with Gospel Voices of OC (fox40.com)
Gospel Voices of Orange County Plan Juneteenth Celebration – Los Angeles Sentinel (lasentinel.net)
Debora Wondercheck’s Story of Hope Through The Arts – WebTalkRadio.net
Wondercheck has a proven track record in fundraising, executive leadership, non-profit governance, and corporate social responsibility. Her extensive expertise in arts education, combined with her ability to build strong partnerships across the public and private sector, has delivered powerful results throughout her career.
Gospel Voices of O.C. is a staged event held annually in June. The performance was created and produced by Wondercheck in 2022 as a response to the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Church and gospel music have been a heavy influence in Black culture since slavery. In combination with the voice of theatre, spoken word, acting, instrumental music, dance, Gospel Voices is intended to serve as a historical beacon spotlighting the pivotal role of African Americans in the arts through the pursuit of justice, and societal transformation.
Under Wondercheck’s guidance, the ALC has garnered numerous accolades, including Orange County’s Outstanding Arts Organization of the Year award, and the National Youth Arts Award for Best Youth Production in Southern California. These honors stand as testament to Wondercheck’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her profound impact on the community.
Wondercheck works with Orange County school districts in providing over 600 annual scholarships to students in need while offering no-cost musical theatre, band, and string classes. ALC has expanded Gospel Voices to Los Angeles and Riverside County to bridge communities and engage people in seeing African Americans in a positive light. The organization supports 3,800 students annually by bringing arts to their schools where they have been removed. Orange County has less than 3% of African American residents, ALC and Gospel Voices are combating that statistic with their Juneteenth Celebration with over 70% of African American participation and representation.
The national production highlights all artists and professionals within the country who have made an impact in the performing arts. Led by Artistic Director Lesa Terry and Musical Director/Conductor Duane Benjamin, the 2024 production will feature works by African American and diverse performers in choir, dance, band, theatre, spoken word, digital media, and theatre. Special guests include renown jazz guitarist and vocalist Felicia Collins (performs with Paul Schaffer and the CBS Orchestra on the Late Show with David Letterman) along with vocalists Angie Fischer, Meloney Collins, Deidrick Bonnor and Singers of Soul.
Wondercheck’s vision for change and impact has manifested in beautifully crafted performances and programs for youth throughout the United States. As the youngest of seven, she has pioneered her mother’s dream for her children to be allowed the right to play instruments and express themselves. Wondercheck believes the support of the community will keep art alive for the new generation.
Gospel Voices of O.C. will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, and is appropriate for audiences of all ages. For tickets, visit muscocenter.org and to learn more about the Arts & Learning Conservatory, visit artsandlearning.org. One hour before the show on June 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Jazz on the Green will host a free jazz concert for residents unable to attend Gospel of Voices, located in the same area as the theatre.
