Playing in the Spirit: A Masterclass with Cory Henry

On Tuesday, April 21 the Music and the Black Church Program at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music will host GRAMMY-winning gospel virtuoso Cory Henry for an evening of spirited music-making. The marquee event of a two-day residency, this dynamic masterclass will feature engagement with student compositions, conversation about Henry’s life, work, and church roots, and a time of collective music-making, anchored by members of a New Haven–based community choir who will join Henry in song. View full details, including the livestream link.

The event is free and open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church (1324 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511).

Advance registration is required and seating is limited. Registration will open in two phases—March 23 and April 6—and the ticket link will be posted to this event page on those dates.

A celebrated musician, composer, and producer, Henry recently won the 2025 GRAMMY Award for Best Roots Gospel Album for his deeply personal project Church. The album features contributions from members of his own family, including his grandmother, and reflects the musical traditions that have shaped his artistry. A recent documentary on PBS chronicles Henry’s life and the making of Church, offering an intimate look at his creative process and musical journey. Read more about Cory Henry. 

Watch Cory Henry’s remarkable organ skills in this video of him playing Amazing Grace. 

Learn more about the ISM’s Music and the Black Church Program