Glory to Glory (A Revival For Spiritual and Devotional Art)

Featuring performances by Twinkie & The Clark Sisters, the Choral and Piano Works of Mary Lou Williams performed by Artina McCain and choir conducted by Malcolm Merriweather, Angélla Christie and Dominique Johnson

Honoring artists who channel faith through music, this program celebrates women shaping Black praise in contemporary spiritual and devotional sounds. Gospel icon Twinkie Clark—hailed as the Mother of Contemporary Gospel and the Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ—takes center stage alongside The Clark Sisters in a tribute to her unmatched artistry. As NPR’s Ashon Crawley describes her, Twinkie is a "pedagogy," transforming the Hammond organ into an instrument of transcendence.

The evening also pays tribute to Mary Lou Williams, a jazz luminary whose spiritual choral works continue to resonate with the brilliance that once guided legends like Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Miles Davis. After a three-year hiatus and a profound spiritual awakening, Williams returned to music with “Black Christ of the Andes”, blending sacred song with a modern vision of devotion.

Under the direction of Malcolm J. Merriweather of the New York Philharmonic, a choir will bring Williams’s revered works to life, while concert pianist Artina McCain offers a stirring recital of spiritual piano compositions. Bridging Williams’s legacy to contemporary gospel ministry, saxophonist and psalmist Angélla Christie—whose music has graced 138 countries—will testify through the sacred voice of her saxophone.

“Glory to Glory” is an evening of faith and artistry, honoring the profound devotion found in sound.