# Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble

> American vocal ensemble

**Wikidata**: [Q122758125](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q122758125)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ebony-ecumenical-ensemble

## Summary
The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble is an American vocal ensemble founded in 1979 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Specializing in gospel music, the group has performed extensively and is recognized for its contributions to American vocal music traditions.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1979 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City
- Performs gospel music as their primary genre
- Based in New York City, United States
- Also known as "Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble Inc." and "The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble"
- Has a Library of Congress authority ID: no2023105385
- Listed on Discogs with artist ID: 7118094
- Classified as both a choir and musical ensemble
- Associated with Yale's Lux database under ID: group/d663eb68-ac60-4f5c-8770-6863e1af3fb8

## FAQs
### Q: What type of music does the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble perform?
A: The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble specializes in gospel music, performing traditional and contemporary gospel repertoire as a vocal ensemble.

### Q: Where was the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble founded?
A: The ensemble was founded in 1979 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

### Q: How can I find recordings by the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble?
A: Recordings by the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble can be found on Discogs using their artist ID 7118094, and they have been documented in various music releases.

## Why It Matters
The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble represents an important contribution to American gospel music and vocal ensemble traditions. Founded during a pivotal period in American music history, the group has helped preserve and advance gospel music through professional performance and education. Based in New York City, they serve as cultural ambassadors for gospel music, bringing this distinctly American art form to diverse audiences. Their work at Union Theological Seminary also highlights the important connection between sacred music traditions and academic institutions, demonstrating how religious and cultural music can be studied, preserved, and performed at a professional level. The ensemble's longevity since 1979 speaks to its significance in maintaining gospel music traditions while potentially evolving with contemporary influences.

## Notable For
- Being founded at Union Theological Seminary, connecting academic and musical traditions
- Specializing in gospel music as a professional vocal ensemble
- Maintaining active presence in New York City's music scene since 1979
- Being recognized in major music databases including Discogs and Library of Congress
- Contributing to the preservation and performance of American gospel music traditions

## Body
### Formation and Early History
The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble was established in 1979 at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. This founding location suggests the group emerged from an academic and religious context, likely connected to the seminary's music programs or ecumenical initiatives.

### Musical Focus and Genre
The ensemble specializes in gospel music, a genre rooted in African American religious and cultural traditions. Their focus on gospel music positions them within a specific tradition of American vocal music that combines spiritual, cultural, and artistic elements.

### Institutional Recognition
The group has received formal recognition through multiple institutional channels:
- Library of Congress authority ID: no2023105385
- Discogs artist ID: 7118094
- Yale Lux database entry: group/d663eb68-ac60-4f5c-8770-6863e1af3fb8

### Geographic and Cultural Context
Based in New York City, the ensemble operates within one of America's most diverse and culturally significant urban centers. Their New York location provides access to major performance venues, recording opportunities, and diverse audiences while maintaining connections to the city's rich gospel music heritage.

### Classification and Identity
The ensemble is classified as both a choir and a musical ensemble, reflecting their vocal-based performance structure. They operate under multiple names including "Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble Inc." and "The Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble," suggesting possible variations in their organizational structure or performance contexts over time.

## References

1. [Source](https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2013/01/14/the-ebony-ecumenical-ensemble-inc/)
2. [Source](https://www.discogs.com/release/13535472-The-Ebony-Ecumenical-Ensemble-Release-Your-Song/image/SW1hZ2U6Mzk4MDEzMjM=)