Ellington's Sacred Concert
Sunday, March 7, 2004 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 7:30 pm
Duke Ellington was the ultimate in class: one of America’s most eloquent and authentic voices. Beneath it all, a fervent spirituality and a pressing need to thank his maker led to a legendary series of concerts first given in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral in 1965 and repeated across the globe. He declared, “It was the most important thing I ever did.”
Grant Gershon and Luckman Jazz Orchestra director James Newton will share the podium in a freeform fashion. Plus 30 singers from the Faithful Central Bible Church Heritage Chorale, under the direction of Henrietta Davis and based in Inglewood, California, will be mixed with 110 singers from the Master Chorale.
Some of L.A.’s best jazz artists make up the Luckman Jazz Orchestra, performing with the Chorale in these concerts. Victoria Looseleaf profiles four members — Leon “Ndgugu” Chancler, Bennie Maupin, Jack Nimitz and Ann Patterson.
Concert sponsors: Mellon Private Wealth Management, City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, National Endowment for the Arts
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Sunday, March 7, 2004 at 7 pm
Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 7:30 pm
Grant
Gershon, conductor
James
Newton, conductor
Los
Angeles Master Chorale
Luckman
Jazz Orchestra
Faithful
Central Bible Church Heritage Chorale
Bobette
Jamison-Harrison, mezzo soprano
Darius
de Haas, tenor
Nmon
Ford, baritone
Nolan Shaheed, trumpet (March 7)
Michael Harris, trumpet (March 9)
Ardie
Bryant, tap dancer
Channing
Cook Holmes, tap dancer
This concert is a selection of
music written and performed by Edward Kennedy “Duke”
Ellington (1899–1974) in three different sacred concert
programs during the last nine years of his life. Music is
transcribed by David Berger, and includes:
In the Beginning God
Will You Be There?
Ain’t but the One
Heaven
23rd Psalm
The Shepherd Who Watches Over His Nightflock
David Danced Before the Lord With All His Might
Almighty God
Something ’Bout Believing
Father Forgive
It’s Freedom
Come Sunday
Praise God and Dance
The concert will last approximately 2 hours, including one intermission.
For more information on Duke Ellington's
Sacred Music go to
National
Museum of American History’s Ellington Centennial Celebration.
or read Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington by John Edward Haase and Wynton Marsalis