Duke Ellington Sacred Concerts

The Sacred Concerts represent a significant, late-career pivot for Duke Ellington, who composed these works between 1965 and 1973 to blend the sophistication of jazz orchestration with liturgical themes. Ellington famously considered this project the most important music he ever wrote, viewing the concerts as a deeply personal expression of his faith. By fusing big band arrangements with choral elements and gospel-inflected solos, he created a unique sonic tapestry that challenged the traditional boundaries between secular performance spaces and the church.

This 2016 release by the Junges Vokalensemble Hannover and the Fette Hupe ensemble honors Ellington’s original vision by providing a contemporary interpretation of these complex arrangements. Under the direction of Klaus-Jürgen Etzold and Jörn Marcussen-Wulff, the production captures the interplay between the choir and the big band, reflecting the collaborative spirit required to perform such a multifaceted work. The recording was released on the Rondeau Production label, known for its commitment to high-quality classical and sacred music, and serves as an enduring tribute to the technical and spiritual depth of Ellington's legacy.