ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY PRESENTS
A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS
FOR ITS 12TH YEAR,
UNITING REGIONAL CHOIRS AND CONGREGATIONS IN CELEBRATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON,
DECEMBER 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (October 28, 2025) – Ensemble Arts Philly presents the return of its annual holiday tradition, A Soulful Christmas, led by Creator and Director Dr. J. Donald Dumpson, inside Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
A Soulful Christmas brings together some of the area’s finest church and community choirs and performers – including dancers, musicians, and African drummers – for a night of soul-stirring music, spoken word, and movement. Creator and Director Dr. J. Donald Dumpson returns to lead the inspiring, uplifting gathering of regional choristers, clergy and civic leaders, sharing holiday spirituals, gospel favorites, and inspirational messages of goodwill. This year, the event will honor Bishop Hezekiah Walker, who will be performing hits such as "Every Praise Is To Our God", "I'll Make It", "Faithful Is Our God", and others. The program culminates in a spectacular closing to the evening with a visually mesmerizing “Finale of Lights.”
“There truly is nothing like A Soulful Christmas, a one-night-only celebration of community and how music and art unite us,” said Ryan Fleur, president & CEO. “For twelve years, Dr. J. Donald Dumpson has poured his heart, vision, and artistry into creating an experience that uplifts, inspires, and celebrates the richness of Black musical traditions. His work has transformed this annual performance into a beloved holiday tradition that resonates deeply everyone in attendance.”
Participants include Arch Street Presbyterian Church, Citywide Praise Dance Collective, Deliverance Evangelistic Church, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Gospel Music Preservation Alliance, PA Commonwealth C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir, Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, Philadelphia A.M.E. Fellowship Choir, Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, Salt and Light Church, A Soulful Christmas Youth Mass Choir, Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble, and A Soulful Christmas House Band.
This year, the event will honor Bishop Hezekiah Walker, a multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning American gospel music artist and the pastor of Love Fellowship Tabernacle Churches in Brooklyn, New York, and Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Walker has released several recordings on Benson Records and Verity Records as Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.
About Bishop Hezekiah Walker
Hezekiah Walker a renowned gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor, born on December 24th in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, New York. He launched his musical career in the late 1980s by founding the Love Fellowship Choir. Over the years, he has released more than a dozen albums, many of which have achieved gold and platinum certification. Known for his lively and contemporary sound, Walker’s music blends gospel with elements of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. His powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics celebrate faith, hope, and God's love. Some of his most popular songs include "Souled Out," "Grateful," "Every Praise," and "Better."
Beyond his musical achievements, Hezekiah Walker is a respected pastor and spiritual leader. He is the Presiding Bishop of the Covenant Keepers International Alliance and is actively involved in promoting education and social justice within his community. Throughout his illustrious career, Walker has earned numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, Dove Awards, Stellar Awards, etc. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his music and ministry, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary gospel music.
In addition to his artistic and spiritual work, Walker is dedicated to philanthropy, particularly in affordable housing initiatives. He partnered with the City of New York to develop HezHouse Apartments, a 10-story residential building in East New York, Brooklyn, featuring 235 units, 60% of which are supportive housing. This project aims to create a safe, vibrant community that reflects his roots and commitment to giving back to his neighborhood.
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A Soulful Christmas is sponsored by PECO.
Additional holiday offerings include: The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show (November 29, 2025); Béla Fleck & The Flecktones: Jingle All the Way (December 12, 2025); The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Handel’s Messiah (December 12–14, 2025); The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents The Glorious Sound of Christmas (December 18–20, 2025); The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children’s Holiday Spectacular (December 20, 2025); Cirque Dreams Holidaze (December 23–28, 2025); The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents New Year’s Eve Celebration (December 31, 2025); and The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Disney’s Fantasia in Concert (January 2–4, 2026).
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office (240 S. Broad Street) daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.
Groups have more fun! To purchase tickets for a group of 10 or more, please contact groupsales@ensembleartsphilly.org or call 215-790-5883.
A Soulful Christmas
Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
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ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.
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For photography, please visit www.ensembleartsphilly.smugmug.com.
Click here for a PDF version of this press release.