In preparing for the concert, Maestro Grant Gershon needed a suitable partner, and found him in James Newton conducting an amazing jazz orchestra assembled by Steve Scharf, whose rolodex must contain only top-drawer names in all genres.

The two maestri chose a selection of items from each of the three Sacred Concerts. Possibly the greatest impression was the Ellington setting of The Lord’s Prayer, the only a cappella number of the Concerts that was so moving, even the orchestra members were visibly moved.

Highlights popped all night, and no single item failed to elicit loud cheers from the well-attended event. Vocalist Carmen Lundy blessed The Majesty of God but showed her skills best in Come Sunday. Cedric Berry spoke and sang with an appealing, booming baritone in five items, but none better than In the Beginning God, the Duke’s evocation of chaos. Darius de Haas performed in four items, starring in Heaven, a piece allowing him to display his enormous vocal range.

In the best of traditional jazz concerts, virtually every member of the orchestra had a chance to show what he could do, with appreciative audience applause and whistles rewarding their best efforts. Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed impressed all in The Shepherd (Who Watches Over the Night Flock), displaying his limitless talent.

“Tap dancer” is a title that must be stretched a lot to describe the fleeting, fancy footwork of Channing Cook Holmes, who barely broke a sweat gliding and tapping his way across the stage apron in David Danced and reprised in Praise God and Dance.

The Master Chorale was in full and glorious yelp with all hands on deck, and as we are blessed to hear concert in and concert out, well into the incredible music at hand. What a wonderful ensemble of people!

As a footnote - beginning in 1939 as a boy soprano singing Nanki-Poo, LAMC member Paul Hinshaw performed for 47 years with the Roger Wagner Chorale and the Master Chorale, with tonight’s concert being his farewell performance. Maestro Gershon offered public thanks for his service that evoked a lengthy standing ovation from the audience. Also receiving thanks for their service as they depart the Master Chorale were Jack Golightly (20 years), Scott Blois (19 years), Lew Landau (16 years) Diane Thomas (11 years), Andy Brown (10 years), Tonoccus McClain (9 years), David Wilson (6 years) and Jason Retana (4 years). (Jack’s brother Jody will remain on duty in the tenor section.)