Carnegie Hall Announces All-Star Lineup For A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION

Carnegie Hall today announced additional guest artists for A Night of Inspiration, an evening of uplifting music on Saturday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Under the direction of acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew and co-produced with his wife and business partner, Vivian Scott Chew, the exciting program features an all-star roster of artists including Regina Belle, Shirley Caesar, Koryn Hawthorne, Adrienne Bailon Houghton, Israel Houghton, Kenny Lattimore, Ledisi, Patricio Molina, Iyanla Vanzant, BeBe Winans and The String Queens. The stellar lineup joins previously announced artists Travis Greene, J.J. Hairston, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Richard Smallwood, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, and an outstanding instrumental ensemble.

"We are so blessed and excited to be presenting our third Night of Inspiration concert at the illustrious Carnegie Hall," says Ray and Vivian Chew. "This year's show is going to be our best yet!"

Carnegie Hall's rewarding collaboration with Ray and Vivian Chew began nearly a decade ago in 2009, when Ray served as Musical Director for two concerts during Carnegie Hall's festival, Honor!, celebrating the African-American cultural legacy with artists spanning blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, and beyond. The duo went on to present two A Night of Inspiration productions in 2010 and 2016 to packed audiences featuring a large-scale orchestra joined by high profile artists from the gospel and secular communities. Other notable performances at Carnegie Hall throughout the years include: A Tribute to Motown, paying homage to the distinctive soul sound of the legendary record label's over 50-year legacy; a one-of-a kind participatory concert featuring gospel music's biggest stars, Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell; The Music of Stevie Wonder, a sing-a-long performance honoring the iconic performer's beloved songbook and featuring R&B stars Leela James and BeBe Winans; and Sounds of Change, featuring a stellar cast of artists performing folk songs and R&B classics that defined a generation, as part of Carnegie Hall's citywide festival The '60s: The Years that Changed America.

Artist Information
Music Director Ray Chew performs at the helm of award-winning musical events with the world's most popular artists including Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Prince, Justin Bieber, Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, Barry Manilow, Queen Latifah, James Taylor, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jennifer Hudson, and Quincy Jones. Currently, Ray is in his tenth season as the music director for ABC's Dancing with the Stars giving his musical take on current and classic hits.

Previously, Ray served as music director for Fox's American Idol, where he inspired some of the best talent in the competition's history and produced over 300 contestant iTunes downloads. He has also served as music director for several network television series including It's Showtime at the Apollo and BET's Sunday Best. Ray's long-standing history with the BET Network, heading up the music for their biggest annual events include: BET Honors, Celebration of Gospel, and the BET Awards.

Ray's music direction is sought after for prestigious music specials and historic landmark events including the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, the 2015 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, the 2008 Democratic National Convention, The President's Inaugural Neighborhood Ball, and the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards. In 2014, with the blessings of Milton DeLugg-who had previously held the seat for 50 years-Ray was handed the baton to musically direct NBC's broadcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, an 88-year tradition.

Ray's work with orchestras as a conductor and a composer has carried him to prestigious venues all over the world. From the Hollywood Bowl in L.A. to the Nobel Peace Prize broadcast in Norway, Ray's in-demand sound can be found on various television and film scores.

Program Information
Saturday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Travis Greene
J. J. Hairston
Koryn Hawthorne
Adrienne Bailon Houghton
Israel Houghton
Kenny Lattimore
Ledisi
Patricio Molina
Cantor Azi Schwartz
Richard Smallwood
Iyanla Vanzant
Bishop Hezekiah Walker
BeBe Winans
The String Queens
Ray Chew, Music Director

Tickets, priced $36-$81, are available at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 154 West 57th Street, or can be charged to major credit cards by calling CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or by visiting the Carnegie Hall website, carnegiehall.org.

For Carnegie Hall Corporation presentations taking place in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, a limited number of seats, priced at $10, will be available day-of-concert beginning at 11:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 noon on Sunday until one hour before the performance or until supply lasts. The exceptions are Carnegie Hall Family Concerts and gala events. These $10 tickets are available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis at the Carnegie Hall Box Office only. There is a two-ticket limit per customer.

In addition, for all Carnegie Hall presentations in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage a limited number of partial view (seats with obstructed or limited sight lines or restricted leg room) will be sold for 50% of the full price. For more information on this and other discount ticket programs, including those for students, Notables members, and Bank of America customers, visit carnegiehall.org/discounts. Artists, programs, and prices are subject to change.