In honor of the fiftieth anniversary of his concert of “sacred music” with the Trinity Cathedral Choir, jazz legend Duke Ellington will be honored in an extravagant concert series this weekend.

The 50th Anniversary Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert will offer beautiful jazz music on Saturday and Sunday. In preparation for the celebration, this week the Phoenix arts community is hosting themed events reflecting Ellington and his immense contributions to music and art, including exhibits, jazz performances, film screenings and lectures.

Although Ellington passed away in 1974, he has remained a legend and idol for many aspiring musicians and jazz aficionados in Phoenix. Ellington and his big band arrived in downtown Phoenix in 1966 for a legendary concert of “sacred music” with the Trinity Cathedral Choir.

The show signified a new musical movement, one that combined jazz and spirituality, something very important to Ellington, who was a dedicated performer and deeply religious man.

Exactly 50 years later, the Phoenix Chorale has organized a recreation of this momentous event in celebration of it’s anniversary, with the help of the thriving local arts community. This spectacular concert will feature pieces from Ellington’s renowned program of sacred music, and the 16-piece Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center Jazz Ensemble will will be participating in the show.

There will be two performances on Saturday at Trinity Episcopal Church (100 W. Roosevelt St.) at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. On Sunday, there will be a performance at 3:00 pm at the Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center. For more information, please visit the Phoenix Chorale website.