In a rare live performance, Oscar Peterson’s Africa Suite is presented by an all-star ensemble including his protégé Benny Green and led by legendary composer and arranger John Clayton. The suite, inspired in part by Nelson Mandela and the intense struggle for human rights in apartheid South Africa, accentuates Peterson’s “technically brilliant and melodically inventive” (All About Jazz) style and reverence for social justice activism.

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Oscar Peterson’s Africa Suite

Symphony Center

While the classical music scene is teeming with real or PR-generated child prodigies, the phenomenon of the highly gifted young musician in jazz is the great exception. One person to whom this attribute actually applies is Joey Alexander, born in Bali in 2003. Even at kindergarten age he was sitting at the piano and playing by ear music by Thelonious Monk, which he knew from his father's records. At the age of eleven he recorded his first record, and today he is a musician with his own band and his own voice in jazz. John Clayton says of him: "He is now 21 years old. But he is not only dazzling or impressive. He is also musically very profound. Where this depth comes from remains a mystery for most jazz musicians who play with him." Now the young pianist is coming to the WDR Big Band for the first time, and this project is being led by John Clayton, who has been considered one of the most experienced and renowned arrangers in jazz for years. 

John & Joey - WDR Big Band feat. Joey Alexander

Historische Stadthalle Wuppertal GmbH

Cologne Philharmonie

Join us for an enchanting evening of music at the Jeanne Vail Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 8:00pm CDT. This special recital features Lucas Zurbuchen, a talented double bass player and Bachelor of Music student under the guidance of Andrew Raciti. The evening promises a diverse program that includes J.S. Bach's Suite No. 5 in A Minor, BWV 1011, Giovanni Bottesini's Concerto No. 2 in B Minor for Double Bass, W.A. Mozart's Per questa bella mano, K. 612, John Clayton's Trio, and Tom Johnson's Failing.

Lucas will be joined by V. Matthew Steinbaum, baritone, Nathan Canfield, piano, and fellow double bassists Sophie Denhard and Luisa Brown-Hernandez, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. This event is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth and versatility of the double bass within the beautiful acoustics of the Jeanne Vail Chapel. No tickets are required for this event, so be sure to mark your calendar for a memorable night of music and talent.

Lucas Zurbuchen, double b

Jeanne Vail Chapel

This recital is given in partial fulfillment of the degree Bachelor of Music. Samantha St. John is a student of Paul Ellison.

Samantha St. John, Double Bass

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

Part of the MSUFCU Jazz Artist in Residence series, this event features bassist, composer, arranger, producer and Grammy-winner John Clayton.

John Clayton

Events

Past events

Jun 13, 2025

Oscar Peterson’s Africa Suite · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Feb 16, 2025

John & Joey - WDR Big Band feat. Joey Alexander · WDR Big Band

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