Cyrus Chestnut, pianist and Music Director
Rodney Whitaker, bass
Carl Allen, drums
Brinae Ali, tap dance
Ellington Sacred Concert Chorus
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
Reginald Cyntje, trombone
Wycliffe Gordon, trombone
Jen Krupa, trombone
Grant Langford, tenor sax
Scott Robinson, tenor sax
Tim Green, alto sax
Leigh Pilzer, baritone sax
Sean Jones, trumpet
Donvonte McCoy, trumpet
Marcus Printup, trumpet
Thad Wilson, trumpet
There has never been a more important time to celebrate the intersection of civil liberties and the music Duke Ellington called “the most important thing I have ever done.”
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Ellington composed three large-scale works incorporating dancers, choruses, gospel singers, and his Duke Ellington Orchestra. He called them the “Sacred Concerts,” created to bring the great musical traditions of Harlem’s Cotton Club into the world’s most revered churches—and to showcase African American excellence across a wide range of styles.
At this once-in-a-lifetime event, renowned pianist, composer, and producer Cyrus Chestnut brings his epic interpretation of the Sacred Concerts to life. Don’t miss a rare performance of this joyful music embracing the gospel, jazz, blues, swing, and classical styles that defined The Duke’s work and spirituality.
