The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir - Christmas Show

The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir brings its Christmas Show to Sony Hall on Christmas night. The bill names the choir only, with no individual performers announced, and the available information does not specify a holiday repertoire or a special guest for this date. Expect the group presentation that has made the choir a longstanding Harlem gospel institution, rather than a billed solo showcase.

Drawn from Harlem’s Black churches and the wider New York Tri-State area, the choir performs contemporary gospel with touches of jazz and blues, framing modern gospel classics in the tradition of Harlem church music. A published touring description has counted nine singers with keyboards and drums, though that lineup is not confirmed for this performance. The group has appeared alongside Bono, Diana Ross, Gorillaz, Damon Albarn, Pharrell Williams, Sia, Lang Lang and Sam Smith, including with Smith at the 2018 Grammy Awards. The Journal of Music called its concerts “infectiously enthusiastic,” a “roller coaster ride of singing and dancing,” with harmonies and sound “UNFETTERED & JOYOUS.” A Montreal reviewer likewise singled out the choir’s rich harmonies and upbeat rhythms.