Carnegie Hall Presents A Night of Inspiration 2016
CARNEGIE HALL PRESENTS
A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION—A CONCERT SHOWCASING THE UPLIFTING POWER OF
GOSPEL MUSIC—ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
Musical Director Ray Chew Leads All-Star Lineup: Yolanda Adams, Lawrence Brownlee, Shirley Caesar
Kurt Carr, Olen Cesari, Donnie McClurkin, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Richard Smallwood, and
Dionne Warwick Alongside a 64-Piece Orchestra and 200 Voice Mass Choir
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On Tuesday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall presents A Night of Inspiration, an evening of uplifting music under the direction of acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew. The program features an all-star roster of artists including Yolanda Adams, Lawrence Brownlee, Shirley Caesar, Kurt Carr, Olen Cesari, Donnie McClurkin, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Richard Smallwood, Dionne Warwick, and singers from the New Faith Church from Cape Town, South Africa, all backed by a 64-piece orchestra and alongside Reverend Dr. Lester W. Taylor, of the Community Baptist Church in Englewood, New Jersey, directing a 200 voice mass choir. “My wife and business partner Vivian and I feel blessed with the opportunity to once again present a sampling of what inspires us here at Carnegie Hall,” says Ray Chew. “As with our first sold-out production of A Night of Inspiration in 2010, we knew it was important to show inspiration in all of its forms including traditional and contemporary gospel, pop, opera, and classical music along with the art of dance.” Carnegie Hall’s rewarding collaboration with Vivian and Ray Chew began several years ago in 2009, when Ray served as Musical Director for two concerts during Carnegie Hall’s festival, Honor!, celebrating the African-American cultural legacy with artists spanning blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, and beyond. He went on to curateA Night of Inspiration the following year, a sold-out, all-star concert where he conducted a 63-piece orchestra joined by a 125 voice choir and notable artists from the gospel and secular communities. In 2012, Ray directed A Tribute to Motown at Carnegie Hall, paying homage to the distinctive soul sound of the legendary record label’s over 50-year legacy. Last December, he brought together two of gospel music’s biggest stars—Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell—in a one-of-a-kind participatory concert at the Hall. About the Artist Previously, Ray served as music director for Fox’s American Idol, where he inspired some of the best talent in the competition’s history and produced over 300 contestant iTunes downloads. He has also served as music director for several network television series including It’s Showtime at the Apollo and BET’s Sunday Best. Ray’s long-standing history with the BET Network, heading up the music for their biggest annual events include: BET Honors, Celebration of Gospel, and the BET Awards. Ray’s music direction is sought after for prestigious music specials and historic landmark events including the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, the 2015 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, the 2008 Democratic National Convention, The President’s Inaugural Neighborhood Ball, and the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards. In 2014, with the blessings of Milton DeLugg—who had previously held the seat for 50 years—Ray was handed the baton to musically direct NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an 88-year tradition. Ray’s work with orchestras as a conductor and a composer has carried him to prestigious venues all over the world. From the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. to the Nobel Peace Prize broadcast in Norway, Ray’s in demand sound can be found on various television and film scores Program Information Presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Chew Entertainment. Chew Entertainment is proud to thank Prudential Financial and United Airlines Inc. |
