The long-running, ever-popular tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. returns to the Kennedy Center as the combined choirs of Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs and Choral Arts celebrate the power of music, collaboration, and the human spirit. The program transcends race, age, and gender to unite all who honor Dr. King’s ideals with songs that unite our spirits.

Choral Arts will present the 2023 Humanitarian Award to an individual who shows incredible leadership through their dedication to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recent recipients include LaTosha Brown (2022) and Sherrilyn Ifill (2020).

Click here to learn more about the Annual Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and hear speeches by past Humanitarian Award Recipients.

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Shawn Yancy, Host

Father John Adams, 2023 Choral Arts Humanitarian Award Recipient

Ralph Alan Herndon, soloist

Washington Performing Arts Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel
Michele Fowlin, Artistic Director
Theodore Thorpe III, Artistic Director

The Choral Arts Society of Washington
Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan, Artistic Director

PROGRAM:

We Cannot Be Silent | Kurt Carr
Ezekiel Saw the Wheel | arr. Dawson
Pass Me Not | arr. Ramsey Lewis
I Dreamed a World | Andre Thomas
Music in the Air | Ryan Murphy
O Glory | Evelyn Simpson-Curenton
Sing to the Lord | Melvin Bryant, Jr.
Matthew 28 | Donald Lawrence
Prelude to Worship/We Offer Praise | West/Bryant
There is a Balm in Gilead | arr. Raymond Wise
Rockin’ Jerusalem | Andre Thomas
Sunday Morning Medley | arr. Ralph Herndon
Expect Your Blessings | arr. Ralph Herndon
Ride on King Jesus | arr. Hogan
If I Can Help Somebody | arr. Thurston

PERFORMANCE TIMING:

90 minutes, no intermission