A new professional men’s choral group debuts tomorrow, Friday, October 3.

‘Southern Echos Chorale’ is an independent men’s chorale ensemble, an all-Alabama all-men’s group.

Their first gig is a big one – the largest Catholic church in the state of Alabama – the Cathedral-Basilica of Immaculate Conception.

It is located at 2 Claiborne Street across from Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile. The show starts at 7:15 p.m. Friday. It will be a non-denominational event but guaranteed to be spirit-moving for all.

The event is free — no ticket or RSVP is needed. Donations to this non-profit group are being accepted.

Just what type of music can you expect to hear, or rather, to experience?

The chorale will perform different genres, but it will all be spiritual and uplifting.

Featured works will include ‘Four Little Prayers of St. Francis’ by Francis Pouleric, ‘Lux Aurumbuq’ by Eric Whitacre, Chernokov’s ‘Salvation is Created,’ and ‘Be Still My Soul’ by resident composer Matthew Still. Also, there will be jazz and spiritual numbers.

The ensemble is composed of eleven singers from bass to high tenor.

The nuns singing in the Sistine Chapel will now have some competition from the men of Mobile in the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

The new group was featured on Fox 10 News.

To contact the group for information on bookings, e-mail [email protected]

Details on Facebook.

The mission of the chorale is: “Rejuvenating chorale music along the Gulf Coast.”

Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]