You are invited to a community program of classical vocal songs and gospel music at 6 p.m. Sunday at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.

I, Bianca Jackson, will perform classical arias and art songs, including a special second half with a variety of styles in a concert that I hope will be the first of many.

I grew up singing an eclectic mix of Catholic songs, gospel music and classical music, via piano lessons and choir rehearsals. I have been involved with classical music in some shape or form for most of my life, and I have learned so much, not only about other cultures, but my own.

I have music degrees from Tougaloo College, the University of Louisiana at Monroe and am currently completing my doctorate in music from the University of Texas at Austin.

I have had over 20 years of classical voice and classical piano, which has helped me regardless of the style of music I sing or play. I hope to share my love of music through performing and teaching. I also compose my own music.

Studying music as intensely as I have couldn’t have been done without the support of my family. Fortunately, I come from a musical family, who appreciates the arts.Music also affords me the chance to perform a musical repertoire in Italian, French, German and Latin.

In fact, classical music has provided me a musical passport for travel to Italy, New York City, Washington, D.C., and right here in my beloved home of Natchez, amongst other places.”

Do you like opera and art song? Regardless of your answer, I sincerely invite you to attend my performance on at 6 p.m. Sunday at Pilgrim Baptist Church as part of its “Giving Back to the Community” Ministry.

We promise you an evening of music where you will travel across genres from Europe and back around to the United States.

Songs will be sung in several languages, with a finale of gospel classics. The program also includes special guests.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday for an evening of praise and music.

Bianca Jackson is the daughter of Gwen Parker and Claude Jackson Sr.