Composer

You’ll hear sparkling works by Czech and French female composers, audience favorites like Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Overture and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, plus a few surprises sure to make your spirits bright. And don’t miss the annual audience sing-along, hosted by CEO & President Sidney P. Jackson, complete with glowing luminaria lighting our hall in harmony.

EPSG:4326

Holidays of Hope

Mandel Hall

North Central College

Los Angeles favorite Thomas Wilkins returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall for a holiday inflected program. In 1960, Duke Ellington merged the Tchaikovsky ballet with his own aesthetic, transforming the Sugar Plum Fairy into Sugar Rum Cherry and “The Dance of the Reed-Pipes” into “Toot Toot Tootsie Toot” creating an instant American classic with his spin on the Russian chestnut. But Tchaikovsky gets his full due with his enchanting First Symphony, which the composer lovingly called “a sin of my sweet youth.” From its chilly opening along a winter journey and through misty landscapes, the composer eventually arrives in a spring filled with the blooms of flowers and young love.

Ellington’s Nutcracker & Tchaikovsky’s “Winter Daydreams”

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Get into the swing of the holiday season as the Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Orchestra performs Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite. Enjoy an evening of playful takes on your favorite songs from Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet—as reimagined by The Duke himself!

Jazz Orchestra: Duke Ellington's "Nutcracker"

Interlochen Center for the Arts

The Bay Theatre

The big charity advent concert

The Bell, Bremen

Ring in the holiday season with a two-part holiday extravaganza featuring Berklee's Diamond Cut Big Band performing Duke Ellington’s The Nutcracker Suite. Produced and directed by professor Tia Fuller, this concert celebrates the music of Ellington’s 1960s recording of jazz interpretations of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

The second portion of the concert will feature master saxophonist and Berklee alumnus Jaleel Shaw. He will be performing classics from Berklee’s GenNext All-Stars’ new holiday recording, Noel.

Holiday Extravaganza: Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker Suite and GenNext All-Stars’ Noel Featuring Jaleel Shaw

Berklee College of Music

"Why would you want to be a second-rate Ravel when you could be a first-rate Gershwin?" - Maurice Ravel responding to George Gershwin's request for tutelage.

An American In Paris

Washington Pavilion

A thrilling fusion of symphonic mastery and jazz-infused energy! Grammy Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann takes center stage for both Florence Price’s Piano Concerto, a work of rich lyricism and bold orchestral colors, and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, a dazzling blend of elegance and swing.

  Rhythm of the Americas

Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Join the Culver City Symphony Orchestra and the SoCal Chorale in Veterans Auditorium for an uplifting tribute honoring courage and unity.

Summon the Heroes - a Culver City Symphony Orchestra Veterans Day Concert

Veterans Memorial Park Culver City

Composers captivated by rivers transform their works. Moved by tragedy, Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 ebbs and flows with the treacherous yet gentle movement of the Rhine; Leonel Morales returns to the YSO as the featured pianist. Duke Ellington follows the transforming flow of water in the theatrical The River. Known as the ‘waltz king,’ Strauss’ composed On the Beautiful Blue Danube to boost wartime spirits with his uplifting work. Folk-inspired The Moldau, Bedrich Smetana’s symphonic poem admires the Vltava River through the magnificent Bohemian landscape.

Brahms & Ellington

Appell Center for the Performing Arts

Experience Disney’s groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Beloved repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the New Jersey Symphony while Disney’s stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Enjoy iconic moments and childhood favorites like never before!

Disney’s Fantasia in Concert

Mayo Performing Arts Center

State Theatre New Jersey

Count Basie Center for the Arts

From the optimistic spirit of Ellington's "New World A-Comin'" to the electrifying dance rhythms from Bernstein's On the Town to the innovative sounds of Karena Ingram's RAINN and the timeless brilliance of Gershwin's An American in Paris, immerse yourself in a musical melting pot of orchestral grandeur, iconic melodies, and cultural charm.

An American in Paris

Orpheum Theater

See their striking pictures projected on the Royal Festival Hall’s huge screen, and get to know them through interview footage filmed at their home in Spitalfields, while the Philharmonia performs symphonic music exploring the themes of Sex, Money, Race, Religion, one of the key works in the exhibition.

Gilbert & George: Sex, Money, Race, Religion

Southbank Centre

Slip into an intimate soirée of musical storytelling, where countertenor John Holiday’s inimitable voice weaves a tapestry of familiar narratives and timeless elegance. From the cherished Great American Songbook to the reflective melodies of early 20th-century repertoire, this program is a sincere ode to the themes that bind us together: love, loss, hope, and home.

Current: Reflections In Song

The Olive

Listening to live music is a wonderful experience. In the »Klangzeit« (Sound Time) concerts, you can close your eyes and escape everyday life for a moment. In the entertaining, hour-long concerts featuring the string players of Ensemble Resonanz, you can listen in a relaxed atmosphere, express yourself, sing along to well-known songs and move freely. Here, everyone can be themselves. This makes the format particularly suitable for people with dementia and their relatives. All venues are accessible.

Klangzeit

Elbphilharmonie Hamburg

Immerse yourself in our country’s most distinctive cultural resource: its music. George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Carlos Simon guide you on an exhilarating, globe-trotting tour of Harlem and points beyond, in a program conducted by James Gaffigan. In works like the Piano Concerto in F and American in Paris, Gershwin captured our national sound by blending all the styles he knew—jazz, blues, classical, sacred Hebrew laments, Eastern European hoedowns, and Broadway balladeering. Sophisticated and streetwise, Ellington’s Harlem celebrates the multi-ethnic capital of Black culture via sweet swing rhythms and salty avant-garde harmonies. Simon grew up in Atlanta, but his 2018 orchestral study The Block is pure Harlem, inspired by the work of African American painter and songwriter Romare Bearden.

Gaffigan Conducts Gershwin & Ellington

Davies Symphony Hall

Take a trip back to the Roaring 20s with music inspired by the style of Art Deco at our A Little Afternoon Musik series. Featuring pianist Terrence Wilson with a string quartet led by Principal Cellist Samantha Powell.

The Roaring Twenties

Cincinnati Union Terminal

While on a 25-city tour of the US in 1928, Maurice Ravel took what would become a pivotal trip to Harlem with George Gershwin as his guide. The sounds of the upper Manhattan jazz clubs wove their way into the French composer’s brain and found their ways into his two beloved piano concertos, filled with syncopated rhythms and bluesy riffs. Piano star Seong-Jin Cho does double duty, joining Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil for both of these vibrant works. Each of the concertos is paired with a swinging symphonic work by jazz great Duke Ellington: the sonic neighborhood tour of Harlem and his ambitious telling of the history of Black Americans in Black, Brown and Beige.

Dudamel Conducts Ellington and Ravel

Hollywood Bowl

Paris has long been a city that absorbs influences from across the globe, a vibrant hub where cutting-edge musical ideas flourish. Throughout the years, composers and musicians such as Gershwin, Copland, and Joséphine Baker left their mark on the city’s dynamic music scene. This concert celebrates the rich musical exchange between continents, from the rhythms of jazz and ragtime to the unique style and virtuosity of Cuban violinist José White. Jazz musicians adopted French harmonies and the French, in turn, embraced the rhythmic freedom of jazz with open arms. The composers featured in this concert were either Americans beloved in Paris, lived there for a time, or, like Debussy and Ravel, were deeply influenced by the vibrant music of the Americas. Join us for a program that captures the dazzling interplay of these musical worlds.

Americans In Paris

Hanna Center

JoAnn Falletta, the BPO, and the Buffalo United Community Choir (BUCC) present a performance continuing our commitment to share musical experiences that bring together and uplift the Western NY community.

Concert for Unity

Zion Missionary Baptist Church

Enjoy the sounds of your New Jersey Symphony under the stars! This free program features a medley of timeless classics, Broadway themes and patriotic favorites the whole family will love.

New Jersey Symphony at Marine Park in Red Bank

Liberty State Park

Giralda Farms

Branch Brook Park Hall

Ocean County College

Marine Park

A Juneteenth Celebration

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

The end of the season will be a tribute to the vibrant American musical life, and inspiration has been drawn from jazz, blues, bebop, rock'n'roll and the cabaret genre.



It begins with Duke Ellington's charming musical portrait of the New York district of Harlem. He takes listeners on a Sunday morning walk – in his own words: “We walk from 110th Street up 7th Avenue, north through the Spanish and West Indian Quarter towards the business district that is on 125th Street... You can hear a parade go by past, or a funeral, or you can recognize the music of those demanding civil rights.”

Weilerstein & The Seven Deadly Sins

Aalborg Central Waterfront

The music of one of the greatest artistic collaborations in American history comes to Daniels Pavilion when the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra honors Duke Ellington and composer/arranger Billy Strayhorn’s partnership of nearly 30 years. During this period, often considered Ellington’s most adventurous, Strayhorn is believed to have written around 40% of Ellington’s repertoire — including Take the A Train, Satin Doll, Lush Life, Something to Live For and many more. In this program, the jazz orchestra combines the energy of Ellington with the sophistication of Strayhorn to bring some of the duo’s most beloved big band compositions to life.

The Music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn

Artis–Naples

Join the TC Jazz Orchestra and a stirring array of choirs, with our very own award winning Jeffrey Cobb conducting. The performance will feature two TC premieres–Duke Ellington’s legendary combination of choral and jazz orchestra forces in his Sacred Concert and Jeffrey Cobb’s The Lesson of the Lark, having been premiered online during the pandemic–we now have the honor of presenting the live premiere.

Jazz Cantatas

Central Grade School

Grieg’s Piano Concerto is a jewel that dazzles from every angle. One of the most famous and enjoyable works of all time, its radiant charms shine in the hands of pianist and former MAC Music Innovator Michelle Cann. Pops Principal Guest Conductor, Damon Gupton leads the CSO in a treasure trove of evocative works, from Dvořák's symphonic poem of Slavic mythology to Duke Ellington’s many hues.

Grieg & Ellington

Cincinnati Music Hall

Liam Hurlbut performs a master's recital program featuring the works of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. He will be joined by a sextet including trumpeter Leo Maxey, saxophonist Leigh Pilzer, pianist Justin Taylor, bassist Derek Wiegmann and drummer Dominic Smith.

Student Degree Recital: Liam Hurlbut M.M. Saxophone Recital

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Isai Hernandez performs a recital of works by Takemitsu, Higdon, Ellington and more.

Student Degree Recital: Isai Hernandez M.M. trumpet recital

University of Maryland

Poulenc Trio

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute

Celebration Concert highlights the exceptional musicians and community partners that constitute our vibrant arts community, showcasing the profound impact of their musical contributions. Featuring orchestral selections from the greats like Duke Ellington, Beethoven, and Rogers and Hammerstein, and proudly boasting guest artists like Darrell Grant, Colin Meloy, and Thomas Lauderdale, the Celebration Concert will be a one-hour spectacular conducted by Music Director David Danzmayr. Join the musicians of the Oregon Symphony for an indelible evening of music, community, and celebration.

Celebration Concert

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

Pre-College Guitar Department Solo Recital

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Decades of Pop

Indiana State University

Experience the electrifying fusion of jazz, blues, and classical music as Wynton Marsalis, Sir Antonio Pappano, and the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) present "The Jungle" at the Barbican on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at 7pm. This groundbreaking concert features Marsalis' Symphony No. 4, 'The Jungle,' a vibrant and intricate portrayal of New York City's dynamic and diverse essence. The performance promises to be a mesmerizing journey through the city's Afro-Latin culture, ragtime rhythms, and the bustling energy of cosmopolitan life, all brought to life by the exceptional talents of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and the LSO.

The evening will commence with a selection of Duke Ellington's compositions, setting the stage for the main event. Marsalis' 'The Jungle' will then take you on a 65-minute auditory exploration of New York City, with its fast-paced movements and blues-tinged melodies, culminating in a finale that captures the city's bold spirit through wailing brass and rhythmic riffs. The concert is set to conclude at approximately 8:55 pm, including a 20-minute interval.

Tickets start from £45, with a £4 booking fee per online or phone transaction. Special discounts are available for 14-25s through Young Barbican and free companion tickets for Barbican Access Members. Please note that Multibuy and Top-up discounts do not apply for this concert.

Booking is available online at lso.co.uk or barbican.org.uk, by phone, or in person at the Barbican Centre. For any inquiries regarding your booking or to learn more about the discounts and access scheme, please contact the Barbican Box Office.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness a masterful blend of musical genres, showcasing the talents of Wynton Marsalis and the London Symphony Orchestra in the heart of London.

Wynton Marsalis' 'The Jungle'

Barbican Centre

### Uptown Nights - Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

**Event Overview:**
Join the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening with "Uptown Nights," a celebration of Harlem's golden era of music. This event is part of the London Drugs VSO Pops series and will take place at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

**Dates and Times:**
- **Friday, March 7, 2025** at **8:00 PM**
- **Saturday, March 8, 2025** at **8:00 PM**

**Venue:**
- **Orpheum Theatre**

**Program Details:**
- **Duration:** Approximately 120 minutes
- **Intermission:** 1

**Event Description:**
Inspired by Harlem’s famed musical hot spots like The Cotton Club and The Savoy, conductor Byron Stripling will lead the orchestra through a night of swingin’ musical sensations. "Uptown Nights" celebrates Harlem’s heyday when Duke Ellington’s orchestra was the house band, and legends like Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ethel Waters graced the stage with their timeless classics from the Great American Songbook.

**Featured Artists:**
- **Byron Stripling:** Trumpet/Vocals
- **Sydney McSweeney:** Vocals

**Series Information:**
This concert is part of the London Drugs VSO Pops series, which features performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM.

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Available for purchase now.
- **Subscription:** Subscribe today to enjoy the full series and additional benefits.

**You May Also Like:**
- **Revolution: The Music of The Beatles** - October 11/12
- **Gene Kelly: A Life in Music** - November 15/16
- **Hollywood Rocks** - January 24/25

Experience the magic of Harlem's musical legacy with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's "Uptown Nights." Secure your tickets today for an evening of unforgettable performances!

Uptown Nights

Orpheum

That a classical conductor is simultaneously declared one of the best artists at a long-established jazz festival is unusual and offers unique opportunities – for example, inviting him with an American program: from Gershwin and Bernstein to the symphonic jazz of Duke Ellington. But it's not only his awards as a jazz pianist at festivals in Chicago and Wisconsin, or his performances as a chansonnier with songs by the musical satirist Georg Kreisler, that make Patrick Hahn stand out from the broad field of up-and-coming conductors. The Austrian, General Music Director in Wuppertal since 2021, also possesses qualities in the classical field that are rarely found in such a pronounced form at such a young age. What Patrick Hahn recognized early on is the psychological aspect of conducting: if a conductor understands how to inspire musicians to peak performance and if he is an inspiration to them, then they simply play better. A simple equation that works perfectly for Patrick Hahn. The soloist in Gershwin's "Concerto in F" is Frank Dupree, a pianist who also has a strong affinity for jazz, which is why he has invited two other jazz musicians to join him for his interpretation of the concerto. Hahn and Dupree: when it comes to the "American style," these two are on the same page.

American Style

Hessischer Rundfunk

The fact that a classical conductor is also declared one of the best artists at a traditional jazz festival is unusual and offers special opportunities - for example, inviting him with an American program: from Gershwin to Bernstein to the symphonic jazz of Duke Ellington. But it is not just his awards as a jazz pianist at festivals in Chicago and Wisconsin or his performances as a chansonnier with songs by the music satirist Georg Kreisler that make Patrick Hahn stand out from the wide field of young conductors. The Austrian, General Music Director in Wuppertal since 2021, also has qualities in the classical profession that are rarely found in this form at such a young age. What Patrick Hahn recognized early on is the psychological aspect of the conducting profession: If a conductor knows how to encourage the musicians to achieve top performances and if he is an inspiration to the musicians, then they simply play better. A simple equation that absolutely works for Patrick Hahn. The soloist in Gershwin's "Concerto in F" is Frank Dupree, a pianist who also has a second source of income in jazz. Hahn and Dupree: when it comes to the "American style," these two are pulling in the same direction.

Bertramstraße 8

Experience the timeless charm and jazzy elegance of Mary Lou Williams’ Zodiac Suite for orchestra, beginning your concert experience with its captivating melodies and intricate rhythms. Then, immerse yourself in a sonic journey unlike any other as we begin the concert with Mason Bates’ mesmerizing Liquid Interface, an evocative exploration of the intersection between nature and technology. Dive into the vibrant world of jazz with Duke Ellington’s Suite from The River, where the music ebbs, gurgles, and flows like our own Reedy River.

Duke Ellington’s The River: A symphonic jazz celebration

Peace Center

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Broome County Forum Theatre on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM, as we present "Pops at the Forum: A Tribute to the American Spirit." This special concert is set to honor America's rich musical heritage as we approach the nation's 250th anniversary. Experience a night filled with the works of some of the most iconic American composers, including Duke Ellington, Richard Rodgers, and John Phillip Sousa. Our eclectic and electrifying lineup promises to captivate you from the first note to the last, ensuring an experience that spans from "seat to shining seat."

Tickets are priced between $28 and $69, with an extraordinary offer of free tickets for kids 17 and under, making it a perfect event for the whole family. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the American spirit through music at the Broome County Forum Theatre. For tickets and more information, please call the box office. Join us as we pay tribute to the revolutionary sounds that have shaped our nation.

Pops at the Forum: A Tribute to the American Spirit

Broome County Forum Theatre

The Clarinet Queen of New Orleans: Dr. Doreen J. Ketchens! You’ve seen her on Instagram, now see her live in concert with the Western Piedmont Symphony!

Masterworks: Symphony Swings

Lenoir-Rhyne University

"american Splendor"

The Long Center for the Performing Arts

The Symphony honors the iconic works of American musical legend Duke Ellington through a medley of his most famous works and his ballet score, The River. Don’t miss the world premiere performance of a new tenor saxophone concerto by Jonathan Armstrong, a longtime friend of Grant.

Mood Indigo

Mansfield Theater

Experience an extraordinary evening of classical music at the "Conciertos Extraordinarios" event, part of the Ibermúsica 2024-2025 season. This special concert will take place on Sunday, 9th February 2025, at 19:30h in the prestigious Auditorio Nacional de Música de Madrid. 

The program promises an eclectic and thrilling lineup of compositions, featuring works by Klengel, Blacher, Williams, Rota, Gershwin, Shearing, Tiziol/Ellington, Dean, Giraud, Salgán, Kaiser-Lindemann, Piazzolla, and McCartney. From the stirring "Hymnus" by Klengel to the timeless "Yesterday" by McCartney, the evening is set to be a memorable journey through classical and contemporary music, including pieces like "Catch me if you can" by Williams and "Fuga y Misterio" by Piazzolla.

Tickets are available for purchase, with prices including a 10% VAT but excluding handling fees, which will be applied at the time of payment. Ibermúsica reserves the right to modify the program if necessary and promises to provide a substitution of equal or superior quality in the event of an artist's inability to perform. The concert will start promptly at 19:30h, and late entry will not be permitted.

This event is a must-attend for classical music enthusiasts and those looking to experience the magic of live performance in one of Madrid's most iconic venues. Don't miss your chance to be part of this exceptional musical evening.

Classical Music Concerts Season Ibermúsica

National Music Auditorium

Discover the rhythm and romance of the big city in a night of jazz-infused classics, featuring Chick Corea’s exhilarating Trombone Concerto performed by New York Philharmonic Principal Trombonist Joseph Alessi, George Gershwin’s beloved An American in Paris, Duke Ellington’s soulful Black, Brown, and Beige Suite, and Richard Rogers’ electric “Slaughter on 10th Avenue” from the musical On Your Toes.

Tales of City Lights and Jazz Nights – Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Chick Corea

The Lincoln Center

Join us for a thrilling performance of Disney's groundbreaking marriage of symphonic music and animation, Fantasia. Magnificent repertoire from the original 1940 version and Fantasia 2000, including The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Beethoven's Fifth Symphony and The Nutcracker Suite, will be performed by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra while Disney's stunning footage is shown on the big screen. Experience iconic moments and childhood favorites as you never have before!

February 7 & 8 / Fantasia in Concert

Gallo Center for the Arts

The Valley Symphony Orchestra, now in its 73rd season and under the direction of Maestro Peter Dabrowski, is excited to return to Brownsville, TX on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the TSC Performing Arts Center with COCKTAILS CON FUERZA. Get ready for a night on the town with Gershwin, Ellington, Schubert, Bernstein, and Sinatra, along with the South Texas premiere of Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated Gabriela Ortiz’s Antrópolis, described by The New York Times as having “orchestral sophistication and grooving joy [that] would make West Side Story jealous.”

Cocktails con Fuerza

TSC Performing Arts Center

McAllen Performing Arts Center

Pianist Jason Moran (Artistic Director for Jazz at The Kennedy Center) celebrates the enduring legacy and extraordinary genius of Duke Ellington with selections from Ellington’s vast and enduring canon. A recent recipient of awards and fellowships from the MacArthur Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation and Ford Foundation, Moran has produced fifteen albums and brought jazz history to life with his monumental touring works that have also explored jazz giants Thelonious Monk and Fats Waller. Moran performs brilliantly reimagined solos of his Duke Ellington favorites in this extraordinary evening of vibrant jazz. 

Jason Moran Presents Duke Ellington: My Heart Sings

California State University, Long Beach

Moving effortlessly between classical and jazz music, with a harmonic sophistication and subtle dovetailing of musical traditions, Gwilym Simcock is one of the most gifted pianists and imaginative composers on the European scene. He joins Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra in an exploration of Duke Ellington’s rich symphonic music: from the opening trumpet cry signifying Harlem, Ellington narrates a city within a city, putting its multi-ethnic character, deep spirituality and musical vibrance on full display.

Blue Notes: Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter, Gwilym Simcock

Brighton Dome

If you’d like to learn more about the music in our concert programs, Concert Talks are just what you need! Before every Masterworks Concert, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra will present pre-concert talks which help prepare you and deepen your understanding of the music to be performed in the program. Sometimes our guest soloists even join Maestro Hege for a discussion of their concerto collaboration! Free to all ticket holders, Concert Talks take place in the Concert Hall one hour prior to each Masterworks performance.

Time For Three

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center

Experience the electrifying fusion of classical, jazz, blues, and opera with Symphonic Soul, a powerful tribute to African American artists whose contributions have shaped the very heart of American music.

Symphonic Soul: A Celebration of African American Artistry

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

American Rhapsody

River Center Theatre

Composed while the Napoleonic Wars raged outside his door, Beethoven's heroic piano concerto receives a powerhouse performance from the world-renowned Yefim Bronfman, who brings "fire and poetry" (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) to each epic moment. And Duke Ellington connects past and present in the jazzy dreamscapes of Three Black Kings, his soulful tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr.

Beethoven's Emperor: Leaders & Pathbreakers

With the opening program on the theme of "America", Santtu-Matias Rouvali shows the musical diversity of the continent. Jazz great Duke Ellington is an example of African-American composers. His orchestral triptych "Three Black Kings" is a musical tribute to three mythological and historical black personalities. As a contemporary composer, Julia Wolfe reflects historical and current events in her music. The German cellist Alban Gerhardt presents Wolfe's energetic cello concerto "Wind in My Hair" as a German premiere. Charles Ives is considered the central figure of new music in America and the first American symphonist to emancipate himself from the European musical tradition. In his Symphony No. 2, Ives quotes traditional American melodies and weaves them with references to European Romanticism to create a complex and expressive sound fabric.

Ellington Wolfe Ives

Gasteig HP8

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with the London Symphony Orchestra's "Christmas Swing: Gershwin, Bernstein and Tchaikovsky" concert, a dazzling evening that blends classical music with the infectious rhythms of jazz. Under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the virtuosic Frank Dupree on piano, this concert promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the holiday season.

Scheduled for Thursday, 19 December 2024, at the iconic Barbican, the performance kicks off at 7pm and will conclude around 8:45pm, including a 20-minute interval. The program is a vibrant celebration of music that crosses genres and eras, starting with George Gershwin's "Overture: Girl Crazy" and moving through Leonard Bernstein's "Prelude, Fugue and Riffs," arranged by Lukas Foss. Nikolai Kapustin's "Piano Concerto No. 4" adds a contemporary jazz twist, leading into a unique rendition of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite," arranged by Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn and Jeff Tyzik, before concluding with Leroy Anderson's festive "Sleigh Ride."

The London Symphony Orchestra, along with Sir Antonio Pappano, Frank Dupree, and Sérgio Pires on clarinet, will guide the audience through a musical journey that celebrates the joy and playfulness of the holiday season. This concert is not only a testament to the versatility and talent of the performers but also a tribute to the enduring appeal of Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, and Bernstein's music, reimagined through the lens of jazz and swing.

Tickets are available in a range of prices to suit all budgets, with discounts available for multiple bookings, young people, students, and groups. For those looking for a spontaneous night out, limited Wildcard tickets offer guaranteed entry with seat allocation on the day of the concert.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the London Symphony Orchestra as they explore the intersection of classical music and jazz in a festive setting. Book your tickets now for a night of exhilarating performances that promise to swing you into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Swing: Gershwin, Bernstein and Tchaikovsky

Kapustin’s Fourth Piano Concerto conjures up a great night at a jazz club, with a wild piano solo and a drum-kit. Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangements give bring the same vibe to Tchaikovsky the same vibe, soft-shoe shuffling through The Nutcracker. Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride is a perfect, old-school Christmas finale to take us into the festive season.

London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Antonio Pappano

**Christmas Swing: Gershwin, Bernstein, and Tchaikovsky with the London Symphony Orchestra**

Join us for a festive evening that promises to swing you into the holiday spirit with the London Symphony Orchestra's "Christmas Swing: Gershwin, Bernstein, and Tchaikovsky." This special concert, under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano and featuring the talented Frank Dupree on piano, will take place at the Barbican on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, at 7pm.

**Program Highlights:**
- **George Gershwin:** Overture to Girl Crazy (7 mins)
- **Leonard Bernstein arr. Lukas Foss:** Prelude, Fugue and Riffs (9 mins)
- **Nikolai Kapustin:** Piano Concerto No. 4 (23 mins)
- **Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn arr. Jeff Tyzik:** The Nutcracker Suite (17 mins)
- **Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:** Selections from The Nutcracker (15 mins)
- **Leroy Anderson:** Sleigh Ride (3 mins)

**Performers:**
- **Conductor:** Sir Antonio Pappano
- **Piano:** Frank Dupree
- **Clarinet:** Sérgio Pires
- **Orchestra:** London Symphony Orchestra

The concert will conclude at approximately 8:45 pm, including a 20-minute interval. The performance will be repeated on 19 December.

**Ticket Information:**
Tickets are available at various price points, starting from £18 to £70, with a £4 booking fee per online/phone transaction. Special discounts are available, including Wildcards for guaranteed entry with seat allocation on the day, Multibuy Discounts of up to 40%, and special rates for groups, students, and 18s-and-under.

**About the Concert:**
This concert blends classical music with jazz, featuring some of Christmas's most beloved tunes alongside a riotous ride with Kapustin, Gershwin’s most swinging tunes, and Bernstein at his exuberant best. The LSO and Chief Conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, along with the evening's soloists, promise an unforgettable night that bridges the gap between classical form and jazz club energy.

**Booking Your Tickets:**
- **Online:** lso.co.uk or barbican.org.uk
- **By Phone:** +44 20 7870 2500 (Monday to Friday, 12:00-5:30 pm)
- **In Person:** at the Barbican Centre (no booking fee)

For more information on refunds, exchanges, and discounts, please visit the LSO or Barbican websites.

Don't miss this jazzy, festive celebration that's sure to delight audiences and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Book your tickets now for a magical evening with the London Symphony Orchestra!

This festive event will bring joy to all ages. Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G Minor (“Christmas Concerto”) concludes with a musical image of shepherds rejoicing, capturing the joy of the season also reflected in Pergolesi’s uplifting setting of the Magnificat. The Fratello Marionettes will bring scenes from The Nutcracker to life, in interpretations by both Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington! The San Ramon Valley Chorale’s beautiful singing will complete this holiday celebration.

Home for the Holidays

Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church

The Pioneers of Jazz were the trailblazers who revolutionised the musical landscape, shaping a genre into a force of artistic expression and cultural significance. These visionary musicians fearlessly pushed the boundaries of convention. Join the Julian Bliss Septet for an exciting and vibrant programme exploring music from Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter amongst others. With their innovative arrangements, the Julian Bliss Septet breathes new life into both traditional and contemporary jazz, captivating listeners with its expressive interpretations and undeniable chemistry.

Pioneers of Jazz

Wigmore Hall

Join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration, featuring the world-renowned violinist Ray Chen. This special performance, set against the backdrop of the iconic Orchestra Hall, promises to be a highlight of the musical season, taking place from Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 8, 2024.

Under the baton of Music Director Jader Bignamini, the orchestra will bring to life a diverse and vibrant program. The evening will open with Carlos Simon's "Four Black American Dances," followed by Samuel Barber's poignant "Violin Concerto," performed by the exceptional Ray Chen. The concert will also feature selections from Tchaikovsky's beloved "The Nutcracker Suite," before taking a unique turn with Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's jazz-infused arrangement of the same, promising a blend of classical grace and swing-era cool that's not to be missed.

Jader Bignamini, celebrated for his infectious passion and artistic excellence, leads the orchestra with a deep connection to both the music and the musicians, ensuring a performance that resonates with energy and emotion. Ray Chen, known for redefining what it means to be a classical musician in the 21st century, brings his remarkable musicianship and dynamic presence to the stage, guaranteeing a rendition of Barber's Violin Concerto that will be both palpable and memorable.

This event is not just a concert but a celebration of music's power to unite and inspire. It's an invitation to experience the joy and depth of classical music, brought to life by some of the most talented artists of our time. Whether you're a lifelong classical music fan or looking for an introduction to the genre, this performance is sure to leave you moved and exhilarated.

Tickets are available now, with prices starting at a range accessible to all. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Ray Chen in what promises to be a spectacular set of performances at Orchestra Hall, a venue renowned for its acoustics and historic charm. Join us for a night of exquisite music, and let the melodies of Carlos Simon, Samuel Barber, Tchaikovsky, Duke Ellington, and Billy Strayhorn transport you.

Ellington & The Nutcracker

Orchestra Hall

Severance Music Center is Cleveland’s home for symphonic music and other presentations, including Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Concert Hall and Reinberger Chamber Hall. We are strongly committed to making everyone feel welcome. The doors to Severance open three hours prior to most performances.

Rhapsody in Blue

Severance Music Center

Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn collaborated on some of history’s most beloved jazz standards of all time including Take The A Train, Satin Doll and the legendary adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Join us for an orchestral presentation of Ellington hits to celebrate the legend's 125th birthday, and witness the elegant and sophisticated music of Billy Strayhorn. Actor and conductor Damon Gupton leads the program.

Lush Life: Ellington and Strayhorn

Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

The Music Center at Strathmore

### Event Description: BSO: Lush Life: Ellington and Strayhorn

**Event Title:** BSO: Lush Life: Ellington and Strayhorn

**Date and Time:** Friday, November 22, 2024, at 8:00 PM

**Location:** The Music Center at Strathmore

**Event Overview:**
Join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for a spectacular evening celebrating the timeless jazz standards of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. This orchestral presentation, led by the esteemed conductor and actor Damon Gupton, will feature iconic pieces such as "Take The A Train," "Satin Doll," and the renowned adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s "Nutcracker Suite." This event marks a special tribute to Duke Ellington on what would be his 125th birthday, showcasing the elegant and sophisticated compositions of Billy Strayhorn.

**Key Highlights:**
- **Conductor:** Damon Gupton
- **Featured Works:** "Take The A Train," "Satin Doll," and "Nutcracker Suite"
- **Special Occasion:** Celebrating Duke Ellington's 125th birthday

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** Available for purchase on the BSO website.
- **Note:** This event is not presented by Strathmore.
- **Accreditation:** Strathmore is Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accredited.

**Plan Your Visit:**
For more details on planning your visit, including directions, parking, and dining options, please refer to the Strathmore website.

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Experience the lush life of Ellington and Strayhorn through this unforgettable orchestral performance. Secure your tickets now and be part of this musical celebration!

All Brassed Up!

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church

Celebrate the rich tapestry of American composition with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s “American Voices.” This concert is a vibrant showcase of the diverse sounds that define American music, from the bright lights of Broadway to the soulful streets of Harlem.

American Voices

West Virginia Symphony Orchestra

American Voices - Parkersburg

Wood County Schools

Clay Center

The BSO and Thomas Wilkins mark the 50th anniversary of Duke Ellington’s death with three of this American musical genius’ symphonically ambitious “Tone Parallels” — his personal take on the tone poem; Gerald Clayton is soloist in the optimistic New World A-Coming. Ellington’s three Sacred Concerts of 1965, 1968, and 1973, conceived as a parallel to traditional European church music, feature styles at the core of jazz, including gospel, the blues, and spirituals in a multi-dimensional, oratorio-like presentation.

Duke Ellington Anniversary Celebration

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Freddie White is a masterful guitar player, singer-songwriter and interpreter of classic songs who has captivated audiences during a career spanning five decades. A founding member of Scullion and The Fake, Freddie’s career skyrocketed touring alongside Eric Clapton. With timeless albums like Live on Tour and Do You Do, Freddie’s eclectic repertoire and the magnetic energy of his live shows resonates with fans old and new.

Blues & Ballads: An Evening with Paul Jones & Dave Kelly, and Freddie White

Grand Opera House

The season opens on August 24th with a delightful program featuring Mozart’s beloved Bassoon Concerto, showcasing Principal Bassoonist Daniel Hane. Also on the program are Jean-Philippe Rameau’s “Airs de Ballet” from his exotic opéra-ballet “Les Indes Galantes” and Haydn’s ever amusing Symphony No. 83, “La Poule.

Sounds of America

Christ Church

Duke Ellington’s name is almost synonymous with the sound of the big band era. The Deutsche Oper Berlin’s Big Band pays him homage to mark his 125th anniversary: as well as his greatest hits, they will also play the world premiere of the Manfred Honetschläger’s suite “The Famous Duke”.

A Celebration for the „Duke“

Deutsche Oper Berlin

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro José-Luis Novo, is pleased to present the perfect end-of-summer soundtrack for everyone in the family. Mark your calendar now to attend our annual end-of-summer concert, sponsored by Anne Arundel County Arts Council and Anne Arundel County Department Of Recreation and Parks.

Composer

Duke Ellington

Events

Upcoming events

30 - 31 Dec, 2025

New Year's Gala 2025 · Malmö Symphony Orchestra

9 - 17 Jan, 2026

New Year's concert · Copenhagen Phil

Jan 10, 2026

Rhapsody in Blue · Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Jan 17, 2026

Beethoven’s Seventh · Akron Symphony Orchestra

21 - 22 Jan, 2026

The Orchestra According to Duke Ellington and Rachmaninov · Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal

Past events

19 - 20 Dec, 2025

Holidays of Hope · Chicago Sinfonietta

18 - 21 Dec, 2025

Ellington’s Nutcracker & Tchaikovsky’s “Winter Daydreams” · Los Angeles Philharmonic

About

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