Cocolo is a community Gospel choir established in the summer of 2000. The group was formed out of
the members' sincere desire to expand their knowledge of Gospel music and the faith that is its inspiration. Our repertoire
includes Negro Spirituals, hymns, songs of worship, and traditional and contemporary Gospel songs. While the members
are all from Japan, they come from different walks of
life -- students, business, teaching, housewives -- yet all come together with one voice to sing praises to the Lord.
The members are very grateful to have found Gospel music and they wish to share the joy, healing energy and strength that
Gospel music imparts. Cocolo has performed at the Apollo Theater, The New York Historical Society, the Summer Concert at Ocean Grove, the Japan Day @ Central Park 2007, and
numerous local churches in the New York area. Our musical director and spiritual leader is Professor Gregory Hopkins,
Minister of Music at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. He is also a world-known tenor singer, the Artistic Director of the Harlem Opera Theater, and a faculty member
of the Harlem School of the Arts. Cocolo is very fortunate to have Professor Hopkins as our director and his enthusiasm
and boundless energy always brings us together.
