Grant first programmed Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, a pinnacle of sacred Russian choral music, to open the 2006|07 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. This performance – its first in the iconic Disney Hall and completely sold out – was pronounced “luminous” by the LA Times.

Gershon and the Chorale met the formidable challenges of this kaleidoscopically colored music with a stunning immediacy and a fluid response to the texts. Moving securely through the treacherous shifts in pitch (this feat alone would justify the huge applause at the end of the work), the Chorale blended beautifully in layers of sound that sometimes moved at different speeds and always deepened or expanded the listener’s response. . . . it was Gershon who ensured that the voices of the 110-plus singers flowed so expressively and lucidly throughout Rachmaninoff’s amazingly selfless work . . . .” — LA Times

This November 12, 2006, performance represented an important milestone during Gershon’s tenure with the Chorale, and Grant often remarks on the Chorale’s deep connection to this 70-minute a cappella work, a crowning glory of the choral repertoire.

Later, in October 2008, Grant turned again to Rachmaninoff and opened the 2008|09 season with Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which was again a powerful experience for audience, performers and conductor – and, another sold-out concert.

The Chorale produced a near-perfect wall of sound that defies description.”—Beverly Hills Outlook.