Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts

Join London Concert Choir and conductor Mark Forkgen for an evening of some of Duke Ellington’s most personal and spiritual music which he described as “the most important thing I have ever done”. Ellington’s Sacred Concerts, written in the last ten years of his life, blend jazz, blues and gospel influences to articulate his unique take on life and faith. Fragments of the everyday, redolent of the ’60s and ’70s when he was writing, mingle with religious reverie and joyful praise. A talented jazz pianist as well as a sensitive and charismatic conductor, Mark Forkgen leads the chorus and big band while performing Ellington’s piano arrangements. Accomplished soprano Nina Bennet is known for the soulful lyricism she brings to this repertoire. London Concert Choir, one of London’s most versatile choirs, brings a fresh and responsive interpretation to choral performances, from sacred works to jazz, opera and musical theatre. PERFORMERS: Mark Forkgen conductor/piano Nina Bennet soprano London Concert Choir