Duke Ellington Sacred Concert at St. Gabriel Episcopal Church

A Jazz Pentecost Service featuring the sacred music of Duke Ellington, June 8, 2025.



Throughout history, religious institutions have sponsored enduring art and music. St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church continues this tradition of marrying the profound and joyous experience of music and worship. On Sunday, June 8th, at 10 a.m., St. Gabriel’s will conduct a service filled with inspiring excerpts from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music concerts.



Duke Ellington stands as a giant among America’s composers and compelling 20th-century cultural figures. His music elevated the perception of jazz to an art form on a par with other traditional musical genres. Ellington’s reputation continued to rise after his death, and he was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for music in 1999. He considered his sacred music concerts to be his most important work....

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A Jazz Pentecost Service featuring the sacred music of Duke Ellington, June 8, 2025.



Throughout history, religious institutions have sponsored enduring art and music. St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church continues this tradition of marrying the profound and joyous experience of music and worship. On Sunday, June 8th, at 10 a.m., St. Gabriel’s will conduct a service filled with inspiring excerpts from Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music concerts.



Duke Ellington stands as a giant among America’s composers and compelling 20th-century cultural figures. His music elevated the perception of jazz to an art form on a par with other traditional musical genres. Ellington’s reputation continued to rise after his death, and he was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for music in 1999. He considered his sacred music concerts to be his most important work.



Jessica Israels, St. Gabriel’s music director, has assembled selections from Ellington’s Sacred Music repertoire to include in the Pentecost service. Jessica and her composer/bandleader father, Chuck Israels, have curated and arranged the music for an outstanding group of vocal soloists, choir, and the Chuck Israels Jazz Orchestra.



The Chuck Israels Jazz Orchestra features Paul Mazzio on trumpet, John Moak on trombone, Tim Willcox on alto sax, David Evans on tenor sax and clarinet, Joe Manis on baritone sax, Darrell Grant on piano, Chuck Israels on bass, and Michael Rodenkirch on drums. Also performing are the St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church Choir and vocalists Margot Hanson, Erik Hundtoft, Jessica Israels, and Brandon Michael.


St. Gabriel Episcopal Church
17435 NW West Union Rd.
Portland OR 97229

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