The LA Philharmonic is set to present Carlos Simon’s “Good News Mass.”

The world premiere will be held on April 17 and 18, 2025 at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

A setting of the traditional mass in a gospel style, the multimedia piece will be led by Gustavo Dudamel and will feature vocal soloists Zebulon Ellis, Samoht, and Kierra Sheard, the Sunday Service Collective, directed by choir master Jason White, spoken word artist Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and an experience-enhancing visual narrative from Melina Matsoukas.

In a statement, Simon said, “Good News Mass is a celebratory homage to Black joy, spiritual discovery, and the power of faith. It navigates themes of loss, gratitude, hope, and resilience using multiple genres as a musical resource.”

The composition for choir, soloists, and spoken word, with a libretto by spoken-word artist and playwright Joseph, draws from a rich tapestry of gospel music, spirituals, and classical forms in celebration of the resilience of the Black community.

The concert will also feature Leonard Bernstein’s Divertimento and Florence Price’s Second Violin Concerto with Randall Goosby as soloist.

Read Related Stories 

• Carlos Simon Joins 8VA’s Roster
• The Kennedy Center Extends Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon