DPAA’s Artistic Directors collaborate on a blockbuster celebration of American music and dance. From Copland’s lively “Hoe-Down” and folk-inspired Old American Songs to Bernstein’s jazz-infused dances from Fancy Free and West Side Story, this program pulses with the rhythms, voices, and moves of American music. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” dazzles with its seamless jazz-classical fusion, while the timeless elegance of Strayhorn and Ellington shines!

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DPAA Directors Present: American Soundscapes

Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center

Principal horn of the Ann Arbor Symphony and a former member of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, alumnus Adam Unsworth makes his recital debut as a member of the Bienen School faculty. Unsworth is also a member of the Grammy-nominated Gil Evans Project big band and has made guest appearances with Alarm Will Sound, the Meridian Arts Ensemble, and Ensemble Signal. He is featured as soloist on the Boston Modern Orchestra Project’s 2024 release Masks and Machines and has five recordings as an ensemble leader to his credit.

Adam Unsworth, horn

Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall

The timeless art of the recital is perpetuated in the hands of present-day masters of the genre.

David Byrd-Marrow & Cory Smythe

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

The organ matinee concert series, featuring some of Sweden’s finest organists, has grown in popularity in recent years. The organ in Konserthuset Stockholm is one of the most renowned in Europe, with its magnificent façade – and with 6,100 pipes, it is also one of the largest.

Organ Matinee with Sebastian Johansson

Konserthuset Stockholm

American pianist Emmet Cohen has been described as a prodigy and is one of today’s leading young jazz artists. DownBeat magazine has praised his “lightning-fast touch and warm harmonic vocabulary.” Others have called him the greatest jazz piano talent to emerge in decades – with a virtuosity that has led some to name him the foremost heir to Oscar Peterson.

Blue House Jazz Emmet Cohen Trio

Enjoy the iconic Rhapsody in Blue performed by Terrence Wilson with the full chamber orchestra at our Mainstage series.

Art Deco at 100

School for Creative and Performing Arts

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

In pursuit of their degrees at SFCM, each student presents a recital that represents their artistry and craft. Student Recitals feature repertoire curated by students with guidance from their faculty instructor.

Carlo Rabano, RJAM trombone - Senior Recital

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

### Event Description: Harlem Quartet with Aldo López-Gavilán at BroadStage

**Date and Time:** March 15, 2025, at 7:30 PM

**Venue:** BroadStage

**Duration:** 90 minutes with one intermission

**Event Overview:**
BroadStage proudly presents an electrifying evening featuring the GRAMMY Award-winning Harlem Quartet in collaboration with the renowned Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán. This special performance highlights the unique bond between López-Gavilán and the quartet, particularly with his brother, Ilmar Gavilán, who is the quartet's violinist. 

**About the Artists:**

- **Harlem Quartet:** Known for their fresh and intelligent approach to classical music, the Harlem Quartet has been praised for their diverse programming that blends classical, jazz, Latin, and contemporary works. They have performed globally, thrilling audiences with their dynamic performances and educational outreach.

- **Aldo López-Gavilán:** Celebrated for his dazzling technique and rhythmic fire, López-Gavilán excels in both classical and jazz genres. He has performed in prestigious venues worldwide and is known for his virtuosic and electrifying compositions.

**Program:**
1. **Aldo López-Gavilán - Epílogo**
2. **Dizzy Gillespie - A Night in Tunisia**
3. **Aldo López-Gavilán - Viernes de Ciudad**
4. **Billy Strayhorn - Take the A Train**
   
   **Intermission**

5. **Aldo López-Gavilán - Talking to the Universe**
6. **Aldo López-Gavilán - Eclipse**
7. **Aldo López-Gavilán - Aegean Dreams**
8. **Aldo López-Gavilán - Pan con Timba**

**Why Attend:**
This concert promises a joyously energetic experience, combining the Harlem Quartet's innovative approach to classical music with López-Gavilán's virtuosic and fiery compositions. It is a unique opportunity to witness a powerful collaboration that bridges classical and jazz genres, offering a fresh and exhilarating musical journey.

**Tickets:**
Tickets are available for purchase through the BroadStage website. Don't miss this chance to experience a night of exceptional music and dynamic performances.

Join us for an unforgettable evening with the Harlem Quartet and Aldo López-Gavilán at BroadStage!

Harlem Quartet with Aldo López-Gavilán

The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage

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

Barbican Centre

**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!

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.

**Share This Event:**
- **Facebook**
- **Twitter**

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

The Funny Bones With Joe Evans And Ishy Aasgaard

Royal Academy of Music

Please join us for our season finale concert, Duke Ellington: In a Symphonic Mood, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Ellington’s birth!

Duke Ellington: In a Symphonic Mood

The City College of New York

In November 1918, Sergei Rachmaninoff arrived in his newfound homeland, the United States, after a tumultuous year fleeing the political unrest of his native Russia. Through this thoughtfully constructed program, pianist Conrad Tao presents a fascinating dialogue between Rachmaninoff’s former and present homes, discussing the power of old world and new, tradition and innovation.

Conrad Tao in Recital: Power and Influence

Severance Music Center

Student Recital: Ethan Carter

Carnegie Mellon University

Though our visibility has evolved over time, the creative contributions of the Queer community have been ever-present. Throughout history we have told our stories, sometimes implicitly coded into larger tales or even offered with our queerness removed altogether. 

Salon Series

Garrett Jacobs Mansion

In his 2023 CSO subscription debut, Conrad Tao gave a “dazzling, staggering” performance of Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, wrote the Chicago Tribune, in which Tao “carried his melodies masterfully.” As part of the CSO’s monthlong focus on American music, the Illinois native returns with a selection of Gershwin song arrangements interspersed with works by Debussy, Ravel, Rachmaninov, Schoenberg and Robert Schumann.

Billy Strayhorn

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 7, 2026

Conrad Tao · Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Apr 18, 2026

DPAA Directors Present: American Soundscapes · Dayton Performing Arts

Feb 25, 2026

Adam Unsworth, horn · Northwestern Bienen School of Music

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