Rashaan Bryant

Eric Kreiger

Drew Selim

David Sharp

Lisa Wissenberg

Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and melodies of jazz at the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra's annual Spring Concert, "Jazz in America." This much-anticipated event is set to take place on Saturday, May 4th, at 7:00 pm, at the prestigious Bridge View Center. Under the skilled baton of Dr. William LaRue Jones, the evening promises an unforgettable musical journey.

Highlighting the concert is the talented Rashaan Bryant, a violinist and the winner of the Young Artist Competition, who will captivate the audience with the first movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor. Additionally, the orchestra will present "Coral for Jazz Quartet and Orchestra," a commissioned piece by David Sharp, an esteemed jazz professor at Indian Hills Community College and the Associate Conductor of the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra. This composition will showcase an exceptional quartet featuring Ken Kehner on keyboard, Eric Kreiger on bass, Drew Selim on drums, and David Sharp on saxophone.

The concert will also feature Lisa Wissenberg, the principal clarinetist of the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra, as the soloist in Aaron Copland’s Concerto for Clarinet & String Orchestra with Harp and Piano. Following the intermission, the orchestra will perform "Symphony No. 1, Afro-American Symphony" by William Grant Still, adding a rich historical layer to the evening's repertoire.

Tickets for this spectacular event are available for $25 for general admission, with kids admitted for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Bridge View Center box office or online. This concert is not only a celebration of jazz but also a testament to the community's support for the arts, partially sponsored by a grant from the Wapello County Foundation.

Mark your calendars for May 4th and prepare to be swept away by the powerful performances and the soulful essence of American jazz music at the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra's Spring Concert.