Annual Hesburgh Lecture

Jazz and Sacred Music with Dr. J.J. Wright

Tuesday, October 21, 2025
7:00 p.m.
Doyle Auditorium (Dundon-Berchtold 004)

Free and open to all. 

How do jazz and sacred music meet? The Grammy-nominated director of Notre Dame’s Folk Choir J.J. Wright explores the inspiring fusion of two musical worlds. Hear how legends like Bach and Monk influence his unique style, proving that tradition and improvisation can create beautiful, new sacred sounds.

J.J. Wright is the Director of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir. As a conductor, pianist, composer, and producer his interests lie at the convergence of the creative process, music-making, spirituality, and liturgy. J.J.’s work has appeared on Grammy-award winning and #1 Billboard Classical albums. His Adventide album that drew from jazz and sacred music traditions, O Emmanuel, debuted at the top of the Billboard Classical Charts where it remained for eight weeks.

Co-sponsored by the Notre Dame Club of Portland.

Free and open to all. For more information, please contact the Garaventa Center at: 503-943-7702 or garaventa@up.edu. ADA compliant event.