An upcoming concert at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center will feature the world premiere of a choral piece by Manhattan Beach music instructor Kate Crellin, who won a young composers' contest last year.

The Angel City Chorale will perform the piece titled, “The Ground,” for which Crellin won the ACC’s inaugural Competition for Young Composers.

The concert will be held on Sunday, May 24, at 4:00 p.m. Tickets for the concert, know as "The Red Thread," are available here. 

Crellin is a longtime local choral leader who serves as choir director at Mira Costa High School and Manhattan Beach Middle School. She is also director of music ministries at Manhattan Beach Community Church.

Crellin took first prize in the competition, competing in a field of 50 emerging artists from the U.S. and abroad — including Armenia, China, Mexico, the UK, Canada and the Philippines. The artists each submitted original works exploring the theme “The Ground We Share,” reflecting on shared humanity and connection to place.

“In a world that can feel overwhelming with the daily challenges and obstacles that seek to divide us, there’s no better way to celebrate, than through music that honors the unbreakable ties that connect us — what it means to be human, to want love, a home, basic freedoms and a higher purpose in our short time here,” said Sue Fink, artistic director of Angel City Chorale. “This concert experience will remind you in all the ways that matter most that none of us are alone; we are all connected, forever. Come ready to celebrate and engage with the community all around you.”

Fink founded the chorale in 1993 with 18 singers. The group has now grown to over 180 singers, presenting a broad and eclectic repertoire from classical to Broadway and gospel to pop. The chorale is best known for its performances on NBC’s America’s Got Talent (2018), making it all the way to the semi-finals. Hailed by Simon Cowell as “one of the best choirs we’ve ever had,” the chorale earned the coveted Golden Buzzer, touching nearly 20 million viewers with their rich sound and compelling message of unity and diversity. Angel City Chorale’s performance of Toto’s “Africa” has been viewed online more than 80 million times.