Tonight, December 9, at 8:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall presents two of gospel music's biggest stars-Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell-in a one-of-a-kind participatory concert in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage.
Under the musical direction of the multi-faceted producer, composer, and director
Ray Chew, the multiple Grammy Award-winning McClurkin is joined by Burrell-an exuberant vocalist who has performed with stars from the worlds of gospel, jazz, and R&B-to lead an all-star ensemble in a concert where the audience joins voices with the artists on stage as part of what McClurkin calls a "landmark sing-along concert."
About the Artists
Born and raised in Amityville, New York, at nine years old
Donnie McClurkin met the great musical icon Andraé Crouch who would later become his mentor. Young Donnie played keyboards with his church youth choir before forming the McClurkin Singers with relatives and friends in 1979. Following a calling to preach, he never loosened his grasp on music. In 1989, Donnie started The New York Restoration Choir and recorded the album I See A World, which contained the classic "Speak to My Heart."
Donnie was signed to Warner Alliance Records as a solo artist where he recorded his pivotal 1996 self-titled album that included his signature song ministered in churches around the world, "Stand." His debut release was marked by smooth, sophisticated production that couched his soaring tenor in a series of soul-stirring numbers. Through
BeBe Winans,
Oprah Winfrey learned of Donnie's music and invited him on her television show, a golden opportunity that catapulted his CD to #4 on the gospel charts and provided recognition beyond the church. Donnie soon after signed to Verity Records and released Live in London and More in 2000, which would surpass his previous recordings thanks to secular radio embracing his gracefully reassuring "We Fall Down." The song met with international acclaim, made the Top 40 of Billboard's R&B chart and rocketed past platinum sales of over one and half million copies sold, making Donnie one of gospel music's best-selling artists.
Donnie earned a trophy case full of Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Awards plus other honors including two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Gospel Artist. In 2001, Donnie graduated to establishing his own Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, all the while continuing to release new recordings, including Again (2003) and the double-CD Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs (2005)-which each won a coveted Grammy Award-followed by We All Are One / Live in Detroit (2008) and Duets (2011), which featured collaborations with Tramaine Hawkins, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Preashea Hilliard, Tye Tribbett, Erica and Tina Campbell, Israel Houghton,
Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, and Justin Savage.
Kim Burrell started her musical career with the Greater Emmanuel C.O.G.I.C. Choir of Houston, Texas. Early in her career, she was featured on recordings with the Gospel Music Workshop of America Youth Choir, Trinity Temple Full Gospel Mass Choir of Dallas, Texas, along with
Kirk Franklin, and The Inspirational Sounds Mass Choir of Houston, Texas. She has been also featured on BET's Celebration of Gospel, Lift Every Voice, as well as the
Bobby Jones Gospel Show. She has appeared at Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and other notable venues and ministries around the world. She has earned the respect of musicians and artists in all genres and is hailed in colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Since her first solo project, 1997's Try Me Again, Burrell has shared the stage with great gospel artists such as Pastor
Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Pastor
Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark-Sheard,
Yolanda Adams,
Kirk Franklin, and Pastor
Marvin Winans, just to name a few. She has also worked with secular artists such as Missy Elliot,
Chaka Khan,
Stevie Wonder,
George Duke, Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs,
Whitney Houston,
Harry Connick Jr., and many more. She overwhelmed the music industry on Tommy Boy Gospel with her hit projects Everlasting Life (1998) and Kim Burrell Live (2001), featuring hits like "I Keep Holding On," "I Come To You More Than I Give," "Anything," "Victory," and "I'll Be There." Her project, The Love Album (2011), won a Dove Award, two Stellar Awards, and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Burrell just released the highly anticipated new CD From a Different Place, which will enamor gospel fans and win many fans beyond the confines of gospel music. Her new album-which is her sixth solo release, demonstrates exactly why she has influenced legions of singers and garnered devoted fans all around the world. Burrell's new single "Thank You Jesus (That's What He's Done)" is currently Top 30 on the Gospel chart and steadily rising.
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 Beiber,
Aretha Franklin,
Lenny Kravitz,
Barry Manilow,
Queen Latifah,
James Taylor, Pastor
Shirley Caesar,
Jennifer Hudson, and
Quincy Jones. Currently Ray is in his fourth season as the music director for ABC's Dancing with the Stars, giving his music takes 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 has a long standing history with the BET Network, heading up the music for their biggest annual events, including 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 position 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. In 2010 at
Carnegie Hall, he curated A Night of Inspiration, a sold-out, all-star concert at the famed venue, where he conducted a 63-piece orchestra joined by a 125 voice mass choir and notable artists from the gospel and secular communities.
Bank of America is the Proud Season Sponsor of
Carnegie Hall.
Ticket Information
Tickets, priced at $32-$62 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.
