For a print-quality photograph of Wynton Marsalis, click on the image to the right. (Photo courtesy of Frank Stewart.)

GRANTHAM, Pa. (Sept. 30, 2013) — The Messiah College Cultural Series, Office of Development and Office of the President present “Abyssinian: a gospel celebration featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Chorale Le Chateau” Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.  The concert will feature a blend of both gospel and jazz music and will take place in Parmer Hall located in the Calvin and Janet High Center for Worship and Performing Arts at Messiah College.  Tickets for all seats are $60 and may be purchased by contacting the Messiah College Ticket Office at 717-691-6036 or by visiting messiah.edu/tickets.

About Abyssinian
Two decades ago, Wynton Marsalis composed and recorded “In This House, On This Morning” and began a creative exploration of how to reflect the forms of the African-American church service onto a theme of universal humanism while raising a joyful noise. Marsalis refined this integration of sacred and secular expression with his definitive 2008 extended work “Abyssinian 200: A Celebration,” commissioned by the Abyssinian Baptist Church on West 138th Street in Harlem to celebrate its 200th anniversary. After a triumphant performance in London’s Barbican Centre, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Marsalis brings fresh eyes and ears to this masterwork.

About the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Chorale Le Cheateu
In residence since 1988, and led by Music Director Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) is often regarded as one of the finest big bands in the world today.  The well-known orchestra performs events not only across the nation but also around the world.  Comprised of 15 talented jazz soloists and ensemble players, the orchestra demonstrates Marsalis’ vision to incorporate the feel of an African-American church service into contemporary jazz.  This combination of sacred and secular is found particularly in Marsalis’ work “Abyssinian.”  Contributing to the JLCO, Damien Sneed leads Chorale Le Chateau—a 70-person gospel choir who supports the orchestra with shouts, chants and joyful expressions.

About Messiah College
Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg.