About this Performance
Honoring artists who channel their musical crafts into the realms of faith and profound spiritual experience, this program venerates artists who have reimagined Black devotion and praise through various expressions in spiritual music. Their work breathes new life into sacred traditions, blending contemporary elements with deep-rooted spirituality.
The evening will also highlight the spiritual choral compositions of the late Mary Lou Williams, a renowned jazz pianist, arranger, and composer who worked with legends such as Duke Ellington and mentored jazz icons including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. After a three-year hiatus and hundreds of compositions, Williams returned to music with a deepened Catholic faith, creating the religious Mass Black Christ of the Andes and continuing to blend sacred music with contemporary influences. The New York Philharmonic’s Choral Conductor, Malcolm J. Merriweather, will guide a choir through these esteemed works, while concert pianist Artina McCain will perform a selection of Williams’ spiritual piano pieces.
Chicago-native organist and keyboardist Dominique Johnson will guide the audience through a selection of gospel pieces on Walt Disney Concert Hall's impressive 6,134-pipe organ. Renowned for having the most-watched Hammond organ video on YouTube, Johnson will showcase the organ's historical role in worship and praise with a powerful performance. This set will feature a special vocal performance by singer-songwriter Moses Sumney. Sumney, who was raised in the church by two pastor parents, demonstrates the duplicity in spiritual devotion through songwriting and performance. The artist frequently uses biblical references in his lyrics across his two albums and centers anointment in his performance.
Celebrating the innovation of contemporary choirs, the GMWA Women Of Worship Choir (The Birmingham Chapter) will lead the Eldorado Ballroom through a powerful session of praise and worship, featuring the iconic gospel anthem “Order My Steps.” Composed in 1991 by Glenn Edward Burleigh, this song blends classical and operatic elements with the rich traditions of blues, jazz, and gospel. The GMWA Women Of Worship's recording of the song achieved remarkable success, staying on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Music chart for ninety-four consecutive weeks.
“Glory to Glory (A Revival to Devotional Art)” honors and celebrates these artists' commitment to both their faith and their craft, blending tribute and ministry in a powerful homage.
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