Saturday, December 5, 2026

Carnegie Hall - New York City
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

ABOUT

A Night of Inspiration is a celebrated bi-annual event that started in 2010 featuring music, spoken word and dance on the prestigious Carnegie Hall stage. The evening brings unique pairings of vocal heavy weights spanning genres such as gospel, r&b, pop, country and hip hop work collectively to present an unforgettable experience.
 
Led by a 64-piece orchestra conducted by Maestro Ray Chew and enhanced by a 150-voice multicultural choir, the evening uniquely bridges secular and sacred artistry.
 
Building on the momentum of five sold-out shows at the hall, A Night of Inspiration remains dedicated to honoring traditions by presenting a diverse lineup across multiple territories. The series creates a dynamic platform where audiences will be inspired by the rich tapestry of global influences.

THE PRODUCERS

Music Director/Producer/Composer Ray Chew’s work can be found across multiple networks, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Ray’s mark across the TV landscape can be found on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”, FOX’s “American Idol” and “I Can See Your Voice”,  productions including the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Macy’s Fourth of July Celebration, The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, Miss Universe and Miss USA Pageants.
 
Vivian Scott Chew is the Founder of TimeZone International – an international marketing & promotion company to recording artists. She serves on the boards of the New Jersey Council on the Arts, Covenant House International, The Living Legends Foundation, Protect Our Legacy (founded by the legendary artist, George Clinton) and is an advisor to the Universal Hip Hop Museum. She and Ray are co-founders of the Power 2 Inspire Foundation, which nurtures and provides access & opportunities to the next generation of music creators and industry leaders.
 
As partners of Chew Entertainment, Ray and Vivian have curated unique musical experiences at Carnegie Hall and for clients including:  the Emmys, BET Networks, Dell, Dallas and San Diego Symphonies, the Detroit Opera House, Breakthrough T1D, the National Urban League, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center amongst others.

THE SHOW

Our artists lineup comes together to create a unique blend of styles and messages, working in harmony to deliver an experience that resonates deeply with the audience.
 
Each performance is crafted to foster a sense of connection and inspiration that reverberates through every seat in the hall, inviting attendees to share in an uplifting journey of artistic expression.
 
As the evening progresses, the powerful synergy between the performers and the audience will create an atmosphere charged with emotion and energy. A Night of Inspiration is not just a showcase of talent; it is an experience that unites people through the universal language of art, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.

OUR PAST PERFORMERS

Past Performers

  • Anthony Hamilton
  • BeBe and CeCe Winans
  • Bishop Hezekiah Walker
  • Brian Courtney Wilson
  • Cantor Azi Schwartz
  • Cory Henry
  • Dionne Warwick
  • Donald Lawrence
  • Doug E. Fresh
  • Erica Campbell
  • Evvie McKinney
  • Fred Hammond
  • Israel Houghton and Adrienne Bailon
  • Houghton
  • Iyanla Vanzant
  • JJ Hairston
  • Jacob Lusk
  • Jekalyn Carr
  • Joseph Joubert
  • Kenny Lattimore
  • Koryn Hawthorne
  • Kurt Carr
  • Lauren Alaina
  • Ledisi
  • MAJOR.
  • Melvin Crispell III
  • Michael McDonald
  • New Faith Music Ministry (Cape Town, South Africa)
  • Olen Cesari
  • Pastor Shirley Caesar
  • Pauletta Washington
  • Phylicia Rashaad
  • Rahsaan Patterson
  • Regina Belle
  • Rev. Ian Johnson
  • Richard Smallwood
  • Sheila E.
  • Tenor Lawrence Brownlee
  • The String Queens
  • Travis Greene
  • Tye Tribbett
  • Val Chmerkovskiy (Dancing With The Stars)
  • Yolanda Adams

Our Past Presenters

  • Clive Gillinson—Executive Director—Carnegie Hall
  • Pastor A.R. Bernard, Christian Cultural Center, Brooklyn, NY
  • Rev. Al Sharpton—Founder, National Action Network
  • Soledad O’Brien—Former CNN Correspondent
  • David Ushery – News Anchor, WNBC
  • Sherri Shepherd – Talk Show Host
  • Mohammed Hameeduddin—Former Mayor—Teaneck, NJ
  • Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky—Park Avenue Synagogue—New York, NY
  • The Women of New York Gospel Radio—Neicy Tribbett, Liz Black, Miko Mathews, Meta Washington, Toya Beasley

Get Inspired

Michael McDonald
"From his earliest days in New York City, Ray Chew has been recognizedas a unique and immensely gifted musical talent by so many iconic artists, composers and producers which has proven him to be one of America's greatest band leaders! What makes "A Night of Inspiration" so aptly titled is not only the amazing night I participate in, but also the man it represents, Ray Chew"
Pastor Shirley Caesar
"A Night of Inspiration is an awe inspiring event that is so significant to me because it brings Gospel to one of the most prestigious stages in the world. Thank you Ray and Vivian for keeping Gospel in the forefront and allowing me to represent my genre of music for four years!"
Cantor Azi Schwartz, Park Avenue Synagogue (NYC)
"Night of Inspiration at Carnegie Hall, is one of my favorite interfaith events. It's more than just making beautiful music with wonderful people, but a chance to feel solidarity in times when we need to be present in each other's struggles and triumphs. I am always eager to come back each year."
Kenny Lattimore
"Being a guest artist at Ray and Vivian Chew's "Night of Inspiration" is an artist's dream! The collaborations are truly special moments that may never be seen again. Ray Chew, with his diverse musical abilities allows each artist to step outside of the musical formats that we are known for to become students again of musical exploration. Bravo!"
Olen Cesari
"Performing at Carnegie Hall is a milestone for all artists, Carnegie has such an amazing vibration of history. As a classical violinist from Albania, I have always been in awe of the hall and was honored to perform alongside Maestro Ray Chew. I can't wait to perform there again!"

Event Highlights

Orchestral Grandeur

Enjoy the rich sounds of a 64-piece orchestra paired with a stunning 150-voice multicultural mass choir, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.

Community Unity

Join a diverse audience in celebrating the universal language of art, fostering an inclusive environment where creativity and inspiration thrive together.

Diverse Collaboration

Witness powerful performances from a unique lineup of vocal artists from both secular and non-secular backgrounds, blending styles and messages for a profound impact.

Night of Inspiration is an evening that intertwines music, spoken word, and dance into a mesmerizing tapestry of artistic expression. It brings together vocal heavyweights from both secular and non-secular communities, uniting their talents to  transcend boundaries and ignite inspiration. Supported by a magnificent 64-piece orchestra and a 150-voice mass choir, led by Maestro Ray Chew; the event premiered with great acclaim at the illustrious Carnegie Hall in 2010. Its resounding success has led to bi-annual performances at this iconic venue, and plans to expand throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa are currently in the works.

Be Inspired. 

MICHAEL McDONALD
MICHAEL McDONALD
“From his earliest days in New York City, Ray Chew has been recognized as a unique and immensely gifted musical talent by so many iconic artists, composers and producers which has proven him to be one of America’s greatest band leaders! What makes “Night of Inspiration” so aptly titled is not only the amazing night I participated in, but also the man it represents, Ray Chew.”
ERICA CAMPBELL
ERICA CAMPBELL
"I am thrilled and over the moon about performing black gospel music at Night of Inspiration. Tonight, I get to sing at the very place that I dreamt and stood in front of 5 years ago and took a picture and said, I will be there one day... and today, I am here!"
PASTOR SHIRELY CAESAR
PASTOR SHIRELY CAESAR
"Night of Inspiration is an awe inspiring event that is so significant to me because it brings Gospel to one of the most prestigious stages in the world. Thank you Ray and Vivian for keeping Gospel in the forefront and allowing me to represent my genre of music for three years!"
KENNY LATIMORE
KENNY LATIMORE
"Being a guest artist at Ray and Vivian Chew's "Night of Inspiration" is an artist's dream. The colloborations are truly special moments that may never be seen again. Ray Chew, with his diverse musical abilities allows each artist to step outside of the musical formats that we are known for to become students again of musical exploration. Bravo!"
CANTOR AZI SCHWARTZ
CANTOR AZI SCHWARTZ
"Night of Inspiration at Carnegie Hall, is one of my favorite interfaith events. It’s more than just making beautiful music with wonderful people, but a chance to feel solidarity in times when we need to be present in each other’s struggles and triumphs. I am always eager to come back each year."

Contact Us

We Are Back!

Save The Date

Night of Inspiration
December 5, 2026

Stay connected and be the first to hear about updates & special announcements!