Processions: Prayer for the Black Madonna

FREE
All advance tickets for this program have been claimed. Don’t worry! We always save a select number of seats for walk-ups, on a first-come, first served basis.

Prayer for the Black Madonna is the third installment of the Hirshhorn’s acclaimed Processions series organized by Gates, featuring collaborative performances that introduce unexpected and unexplored connections between sacred music, African and African American culture and history, theater, world dance and chant.

For this deeply moving evening of endurance prayer and reflection, Gates will weave together the sounds of different cultures and historical moments, using the vibrant acoustics of the Hirshhorn’s auditorium. Over the span of two hours, DC-based choirs Capitol Hill Chorale and Heritage Signature Chorale will present a meditative classical arrangement of Ave Maria, on repeat, while Gates interjects and layers improvised vocalization, sermon, and chanting. The presentation builds on Gates’ recent series of projects examining the depiction of the Black Madonna, drawing from art historical images, pop culture, and spiritual storytelling  traditions around the world.

We encourage you to arrive early. Ring Auditorium seating is limited. Any open seats may be released to walk-up visitors 10 minutes before the program.