Carnegie Hall

On Tuesday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, Carnegie Hall presents A Night of Inspiration, an evening of uplifting music under the direction of acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew. The program features an all-star roster of artists including Yolanda Adams, Lawrence Brownlee, Shirley Caesar, Kurt Carr, Olen Cesari, Donnie McClurkin, Cantor Azi Schwartz, Richard Smallwood, Dionne Warwick, and singers from the New Faith Church from Cape Town, South Africa, all backed by a 64-piece orchestra and alongside Reverend Dr. Lester W. Taylor, of the Community Baptist Church in Englewood, New Jersey, directing a 200 voice mass choir.

“My wife and business partner Vivian and I feel blessed with the opportunity to once again present a sampling of what inspires us here at Carnegie Hall,” says Ray Chew. “As with our first sold-out production of A Night of Inspiration in 2010, we knew it was important to show inspiration in all of its forms including traditional and contemporary gospel, pop, opera, and classical music along with the art of dance.”

Carnegie Hall’s rewarding collaboration with Vivian and Ray Chew began several years 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. He went on to curate A Night of Inspiration the following year, a sold-out, all-star concert where he conducted a 63-piece orchestra joined by a 125 voice choir and notable artists from the gospel and secular communities. In 2012, Ray directed A Tribute to Motown at Carnegie Hall, paying homage to the distinctive soul sound of the legendary record label’s over 50-year legacy. Last December, he brought together two of gospel music’s biggest stars—Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell—in a one-of-a-kind participatory concert at the Hall.

About the Artist
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 sixth 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’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
Tuesday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m.
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION
Ray Chew, Music Director
Yolanda Adams
Lawrence Brownlee
Shirley Caesar
Kurt Carr
Olen Cesari
Donnie McClurkin
Cantor Azi Schwartz
Richard Smallwood
Dionne Warwick
New Faith Church from Cape Town, South Africa
Additional artists to be announced

Presented by Carnegie Hall in partnership with Chew Entertainment.

Chew Entertainment is proud to thank Prudential Financial and United Airlines Inc. 

Bank of America is the Proud Season Sponsor of Carnegie Hall.

 

Ticket Information

Tickets, priced $39–$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.