The Birmingham Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA)‘s Women of Worship, under the direction of Dr. Prince Yelder, delivered a show-stopping performance on October 13th on the final night of soul music singer Solange Knowles’ “Eldorado Ballroom” series, held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
The event was announced in August 2024 by Knowles’ Saint Heron, which describes itself as “a multidisciplinary institution reverencing the spiritual act of creation, through its preservation and collection of vital works in art and design.” Past artists that have performed during the series include gospel music legends Twinkie Clark & the Clark Sisters, and soul singer Bilal, to name a few.
The night, titled “Glory to Glory: A Revival for Spiritual and Devotional Art,” featured performances from the GMWA Women of Worship Choir – Birmingham Chapter (Eloise Ford Gaffney, Chapter Representative), organist Dominique Johnson with Moses Sumney, and choral and piano works by Mary Lou Williams, performed by Artina McCain and conducted by Malcolm Merriweather.
The choir’s soul-stirring rendition of the iconic “Order My Steps” led by Haley Mitchell-Shealey caused Solange to wave and raise her hands in worship.
The choir’s performance, accompanied by Micah Braxton, Michael Sean Ray, (AJ) Jerod Nolen, and Annsy Vanoukia, was met with rousing applause and a standing ovation from Solange’s sister Beyoncé and husband Jay-Z, who were in the audience.
Following “Order My Steps,” the Women of Worship led the audience in a medley of gospel hits, including “The Holy Ghost,” “Safe in His Arms,” “For Every Mountain,” “There Is No Way,” and “Total Praise,” leaving the room in awe of their talent and spiritual power.
Solange concluded the night by expressing her deep gratitude to the artists, specifically recognizing gospel trailblazers like Erica Campbell of the iconic gospel group Mary Mary, who shared her experience on Instagram.
Solange reiterated her belief that music is a “divine pathway to God,” making the evening an unforgettable celebration of spiritual and devotional art.
