Metropolitan Minister of Music Performs for the Pope

Congratulations to our own Minister of Music, Rev. Nolan E. Williams, Jr. and his ensemble Voices of Inspiration. Read his press release below.

Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr. and his Inspiration Ensemble to join renowned singers Placido Domingo and Denyce Graves as musical guests for historic Papal Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Washington, DC


WASHINGTON, DC, April 15, 2008 --- Rev. Nolan Williams, Jr. and his Inspiration Ensemble have been confirmed to join renowned tenor, Placido Domingo, and mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves, as part of the music lineup for the historic papal visit of Pope Benedict XVI. Rev. Williams and his ensemble will render special music for the public Mass at the new Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium on Thursday, April 17.

Rev. Williams is no stranger to the Catholic and Jesuit community as 2008 also marks his fifth year as music director for the annual MLK "Let Freedom Ring" Celebration, jointly-sponsored by Georgetown University and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Williams was also invited to Italy last year as featured artist and guest lecturer for the Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival and the Music & Philosophy Festival in Naples.

Williams is best known for his work as Chief Music Editor of the landmark publication, the African American Heritage Hymnal (over 300,000 copies sold worldwide), and is an established songwriter and emerging recording artist whose debut CD, inSpiration, is receiving critical acclaim ( www.newinspiration.us ). Additionally, Rev. Williams is Founder and CEO of NEWorks, a music ministry consulting, production and publishing company, and serves as minister of music at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (Washington, DC).

The six-day trip of Pope Benedict XVI will begin in Washington, D.C., and continue to New York City. The trip is historic, especially since the Holy Father will address the United Nations General Assembly, meet with President George W. Bush and visit Ground Zero.