All of us at 90.9 are saddened to hear of the passing of Ed Kingins, long time conductor of the Fort Street Chorale, Michigan Opera Theatre tenor and voice instructor at Wayne State University.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Ed Kingins was a vital part of the musical life of Detroit. One of his greatest achievements was training a volunteer chorus at Fort Street Presbyterian Church to present annual performances of Handel’s Messiah. Drawing on singers throughout Southeastern Michigan and Ontario, these performances became legendary for their artistry, polish, and depth of interpretation. So dynamic were these events, that Detroit Public Television produced a special documentary entitled Miracle on Fort Street which was produced and hosted by our own Chris Felcyn.
Ed Kingins and the Fort Street Chorale remained champions of 90.9 during our regular fundraisers and he often appeared to urge other listeners to support and contribute to not only 90.9, but to all other arts organizations in Southeastern Michigan.
His passion for music and people will be deeply missed. All of us at 90.9 extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Watch is the Miracle on Fort Street documentary that ran on Detroit Public Television, produced and hosted by our own Chris Felcyn.