Jubilate (pronounced, yoo-bee-lah-tey), a Miami based performing organization, encompassing professional singers from diverse cultures, debuted in 1993 capturing both local and national acclaim with their superbly warm, rich tones, and lush harmonies. Under the direction of Dr. Nelson Hall, founder, the ensemble performs a capella arrangements of spirituals, and other compositions written by African Americans, with sincerity and style. James Roos, of the Miami Herald proclaimed, "Exuberant." Leonard Pitts, Jr., of the Miami Herald wrote, "Jubilate gives voice to the faith and hope of Negro Spirituals . . . The purity and truth of it will shiver your spine."

One of South Florida’s leading professional ensembles, Jubilate’s vocalists, instrumentalists, and leadership are trained musicians from some of America’s major institutions of higher learning, such as - University of Miami, Massachusetts and Maryland, and Florida State University. Since 1994, Jubilate has toured throughout the state of Florida, and Washington, D.C., premiering such African American compositions as - Robert Ray’s Gospel Magnificat and Gospel Mass, Glenn Burleigh’s Christmas cantata Born to Die, and Howard Roberts’ Spiritual Heritage and Deliverance.

Jubilate was selected to perform a mini-concert of spirituals, for the intermission presentation, for the 1997 Three Tenors concert in Miami, and opened for Cyrus Chestnut in 1998. In addition, Jubilate collaborates with other art organizations and artists to expand into other segments of the community. Past collaborations include - New World Symphony (world renown training symphony), New World School of the Arts, artist Gene Tinnie, and Karen Peterson Dancers.

To fill a cultural void in Miami and unite Miami’s community, Jubilate developed the African American Concert Series and Jubilate Symphony Orchestra, in 1998. The African American Concert initiative is far reaching, ambitious and obtainable initiative - providing the broad public with access to excellence in the arts, while increasing understanding and appreciation of the musical heritage and culture of African, Latin and Caribbean Americans.

JSO is one of three minority-based orchestras in the United States (the others housed in New York and Chicago). JSO is not only a vehicle for performing but also for providing a learning opportunity to young aspiring local instrumentalists. Each season, JSO selects twelve (12) young gifted minority instrumentalists for an apprentice position in the orchestra. The apprentices, ranging in ages of 13-18, become paid instrumentalists the orchestra and are given the opportunity to perform compositions of African, Latin and Caribbean heritage. This is an invaluable opportunity for young musicians to master the craft beside a seasoned professional. And in addition, the apprentice begins to understand the interrelationship and influence of each musical culture.

Sustaining an important contribution to American folk heritage, Jubilate operates several community series to fulfill its mission (to preserve, perform, and record spirituals and other compositions written by African Americans). Jubilate, collaborates annually with Miami - Dade County Public School Board by providing high quality, live concert & workshop experiences to Dade County school students (grades 7 - 12) through the presentation of Black History Month programs.

Our Community Series provides free concerts to our community. Jubilate strives to sponsor activities that will unite South Florida’s multi-ethnic and diverse communities. We believe that music can remove barriers and uplift the spirits of the community. Our most notable free event is our Dr. King Birthday Celebration. As a vehicle of encouragement, Jubilate also presents concerts to the underserved/overlooked communities of Miami - Dade County such as Miami’s Rescue Mission for the homeless.

Jubilate’s debut CD, released in 1996, includes Ray’s Gospel Mass, and Roberts’ spirituals, and traditional spirituals of Dawson and Burleigh. Future recording projects include Roberts’ Spiritual Heritage, and Christmas compositions written by African Americans.