Free Spirit - Duke Ellington's Sacred Concert

Duke Ellington composed some of America’s greatest jazz music. But Ellington himself considered his Sacred Concert to be “the most important thing I’ve ever done”. This pivotal work signified a new musical movement — one that combined jazz and spirituality, exhibiting Ellington’s showmanship and his deep religious faith. Commissioned by San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral in the 60s, it symbolizes freedom and peace - freedom from war and freedom of the human spirit. Our special guests are the Swing Machine Jazz Orchestra under the leadership of saxophonist, Ed Leaker.