Ellington’s wonderful “Sacred Music” is both serious and swinging. It is a reverent and hip body of jazz composition, written late in his career, for jazz big band, vocal and instrumental soloists, and tap dancers.

For the past 30+ years Earshot Jazz and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra have partnered to present an annual concert of Ellington’s Sacred Music.

The Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, led by Artistic Director Michael Brockman (who co-founded SRJO alongside Clarence Acox Jr.), features the 17-piece big band with trumpeters Jay Thomas, Nathan Breedlove, Michael Van Bebber, and Brad Allison; trombonists Dan Marcus, Scott Brown, Jerome Smith, Bill Anthony, and David Bentley. Rhythm includes Randy Halbertstadt, D’Vonne Lewis, Milo Peterson, and Phil Sparks. This year’s vocal solos will feature Robert Neal and Nichol Eskridge.

The vocal ensemble parts will be performed by the traditional Northwest Chamber Chorus, and in a new twist, SRJO adds to the bill a gospel choir, The Sound of the Northwest, directed by Vanessa Bruce. SRJO, the guest soloists, and the two vocal groups will join forces to honor vocal artistry and the universality of Ellington’s message. Read the complete history of Sacred Music here.

Note: Livestream tickets are for viewing the concert as it airs on 12/30 at 7:30pm PST only. After the concert has aired, there is no video-on-demand.

Presented by Earshot Jazz.

Earshot Jazz COVID-19 Policy: Earshot recommends that all ticket holders be vaccinated. Masks are strongly encouraged unless actively eating or drinking. Policy subject to change. Full COVID policy here.