About

Hear one of the 20th century’s most visionary musical statements - where jazz meets the sacred, through community voices coming together in sound. Composed in the final decade of Duke Ellington’s life, his Sacred Concerts represent what he called “the most important thing I have done.” Designed for choir, soloists, and instrumental ensemble, these works fuse jazz, gospel, blues, and classical traditions into a vibrant and deeply human musical language. The Sacred Concerts move seamlessly from intimate prayer to exuberant celebration.

The concert features soprano soloist Frances Farrell, and is a collaboration of Nova Scotia ensembles, including Nova Voce (Nova Scotia’s Provincial Men’s Choir), Truro Cantabile Singers, and the Tuesday Night Band, bringing together professional and community musicians in a large-scale choral-jazz setting. The performance at historic St John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg takes place on Saturday June 6 at 4 pm, and will reflect the spirit of Ellington’s original performances, presented often in cathedrals and uniting audiences across backgrounds.