CHARLOTTE — Feb. 3, 2015 — WTVI PBS Charlotte this week will premiere a new documentary that tells the story of Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s local performance of the Abyssinian Mass.
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“New documentary on Marsalis performance premieres in Charlotte, N.C.” by Dennis Scholl on Knight Blog
The documentary follows Marsalis and Conductor Damien Sneed as they presented the inspirational and multilayered work for a sold-out crowd of 3,500 at Charlotte’s Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Composed by Marsalis to celebrate the 200th anniversary of an historic Harlem congregation, the joyous piece blends secular and sacred music – from American jazz to Spanish flamenco and the Muslim call to prayer – to reflect the universality of humanity. Sneed’s 80-member Chorale le Chateau complemented the orchestra in a performance that the church’s pastor, Dr. Clifford Jones, told NPR was “exhilarating, powerful, inspirational – affirming of both religion and culture.
“Everyone Has a Place” premieres at 9 p.m. Feb. 3, with screenings throughout the month. (A full schedule is below.) The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supported both the film and the 2013 performance. Miami-based filmmakers Marlon Johnson and Dennis Scholl, who is also Knight’s vice president for arts, produced and directed the film.
“The Abyssinian Mass is unique because it incorporates the listener. Wynton had a goal: When someone hears this piece, he wanted them to not just listen, but to be whisked away, back to the church pew, to feel the music on both an artistic and spiritual level,” said Sneed, a sought-after gospel artist and conductor. “With this documentary, we hope that viewers can again be immersed in this powerful experience.”
Sneed first met Marsalis when, at age 12, he performed at Sneed’s church in Augusta, Ga. Marsalis became Sneed’s mentor, and the two took the Abyssinian Mass on a 16-city tour that included Charlotte and Augusta. After their performance, Sneed and Marsalis stayed an extra day in Charlotte to mentor students from the Jazz Arts Initiative.
“Charlotte has a rich legacy in jazz music, and we’re excited to bring the community together – both in person and now through the documentary – to celebrate the work of one of our country’s great musicians,” said Scholl, of Knight Foundation.
The full schedule for the documentary is as follows: 9 p.m. Feb. 3, 12:30 a.m. Feb. 5, 11:30 p.m. Feb. 9, and 11:30 p.m. Feb. 20.
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