Sunday, June 13th, at 11 a.m. we invite you to a unique concert experience when
PS86 Bronx Gospelchoir reunites with their
conductor Johanna Grüssner
at The Norwegian Seamen's Church in New York

This reunion, which will be a part of our Worship Service, is based on the inspirational true story of one plucky young teacher, whose passion for her students transformed their lives—some for only seven days, others for a lifetime. It is about one Teacher, 24 Kids, and the Music That Changed Their Lives Forever.

This story is told in the book SEVEN DAYS OF POSSIBILITIES by ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS. She writes:

"Johanna Grussner arrived in New York City starry-eyed. She was a young Finnish jazz singer looking for the big time. But it was hard to find steady gigs. Propelled by pluck, determination, and a smidgen of desperation, she obtained a job teaching music at P.S. 86, a public school in the Bronx. At first, it was just to pay the bills. But over the course of several years, Johanna formed an intense, transformative connection with her students. She helped turn them from tough, angry, street-smart city kids into a disciplined, technically proficient, soaringly beautiful gospel chorus.

Johanna came to identify so strongly with her students that she eventually took them to her hometown in rural Finland, to meet her family and friends, to perform in a gospel concert, and to show them what an alternate childhood—one of tiny schools, quiet classrooms, fresh air, wholesome meals, and endless music—could be like."

Seven Days of Possibilities offers an inside look at the politics, history, and complex personal relationships that govern one typical New York City public school. But more importantly, it is the story of how one person can make a difference against those odds, rising above corruption, indifference and regimentation with hope, music, and love.

Anemona Hartocollis is a reporter and columnist for the New York Times, where she covered education for five years. She lives with her husband and three children in West Harlem. This is her first book.

Where: The Norwegian Seamen’s Church
317 East 52nd Street (between 1st and 2nd avenue)
When: Sunday, June 13th, at 11 a.m.
Admission: Free