HEYWARD PAYS TRIBUTE TO ELLINGTON
A Tribute to Duke Ellington
by Jonathon Heyward
I grew up with jazz in the house , and in some ways my love of Duke Ellington predates my life in the classical music world . Both my dad and my grandmother were huge fans , so he was a large part of my life , as were a lot of other jazz greats . As I grow older and understand the responsibility we have as artists , I look to heroes and champions like Duke Ellington . He , more than most , understood that there is a significance to what you do both on and off the stage . You affect people ’ s lives , communities — even the mindset of a nation .
Duke Ellington was far more than just a great jazz artist . He was a civil rights activist . He was someone who understood the power of music and its impact on society . He is someone worthy of celebration , whose legacy we honor with this collaboration
“ Duke Ellington was far more than just a great jazz artist . He was a civil rights activist . He was someone who understood the power of music and its impact on society .”
between the BSO and our incredible jazz musicians here in Baltimore . This feels like a great moment to reflect on the artist , the musician , and the sort of person that he was , while also getting to perform some great music .
Most orchestras don ’ t get to play a lot of jazz , although the BSO is something of an exception . There are , of course , many similarities between that genre and the more “ typical ” symphonic repertoire . An important aspect of jazz is the sense of sharing and collaboration , an attitude you might more closely associate with chamber music . Another is this idea of “ swing ,” the ability to bend our rhythmic intention and sense of pulse . That ’ s also not something orchestras get to do all the time . That ’ s what I really adore about the BSO : their sensitivity and ability to listen is as great as any string quartet or jazz combo . It means that we can achieve something intimate , even in large numbers .
Last but not least , we welcome the incredible talent of Peabody Jazz and Cyrus Chestnut in the spirit of Ellington . It ’ s so important to bring the community to our stage and celebrate each other through the medium of jazz . I feel that ’ s a powerful sentiment that permeates throughout Ellington ’ s legacy , a special gift he gave to us as artists and music lovers alike . by Sean Jones
The Peabody Jazz ensemble , in the seventh year of its relaunch , is thrilled to join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to perform some of Duke Ellington ’ s most celebrated orchestral works . In addition , we ’ re thrilled to showcase the ensemble with four of Ellington ’ s more prominent pieces . “ Concerto for Cootie ” and “ A Portrait of Louis Armstrong ,” both celebrating trumpeters Louis Armstrong and Cootie Williams , will feature International Recording Artist and Peabody Jazz
Ensemble Director and Chair , Sean Jones . The band will also perform one of Duke Ellington ’ s tributes to the locomotive , “ Happy Go Lucky Local ” as well as his nod to music with a back beat , “ Chinoiserie ,” a composition that also explores his belief in the eventual unity of all versions of humanity . Both compositions will feature brilliant solos from the ensemble members and guest artist , Cyrus Chestnut . We are beyond thrilled to be a part of this historic performance .
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