Duke Ellington wrote more than 1,500 compositions and made over 10,000 sound recordings during his career. He led his legendary big band for more than 50 years and became synonymous with elevating the perception of jazz music. Though inseparably associated with the jazz genre, Ellington embraced a wide spectrum of influences, including gospel, swing, blues and classical. These are reflected in his repertoire, which expresses his versatility with stage musicals, film scores and original compositions ranging from three minute masterpieces to his beloved Sacred Concerts.
Festival Dates: February 3-20, 2012
Location: Music Center at Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Lane, N. Bethesda, Maryland.
Schedule of Events
- Ellington Standards
Chris Vadala Trio
Friday, February 3, 2012; 11 a.m.
Admission: $15 (Stars Price $13.50)
Former Strathmore Artist in Residence mentor Chris Vadala, Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Maryland, is joined by former U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note guitarist Rick Whitehead and Landon School bass instructor John Previti performing instrumental Ellington standards.
- “The Duke”
Lecture/Demonstration by Rusty Hassan
Monday, February 13, 2012; 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Admission: $15 (Stars Price $13.50)
Jazz musician, historian and educator Rusty Hassan will demonstrate how blues, spirituals, work songs, ragtime and indeed, New Orleans “jazz” were incorporated into Ellington’s compositions. The film short Symphony In Black will be shown as a part of Mr. Hassan’s examination of the Duke’s music.
- Mostly Ellington
Robert Glasper, piano
Thursday, February 16, 2012; 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $30 (Stars Price $27)
An artist who “unfailingly gets the feeling right” (New York Magazine), this uniquely gifted pianist performs the music of Duke Ellington along with his own original works and music by Thelonious Monk and other jazz legends. This concert is part of Strathmore’s Music in the Mansion series, sponsored by Asbury Methodist Village.
- Channeling Duke Ellington
Presented by the Levine School of Music
Friday, February 17, 2012; 7 p.m.
Admission: $15 online, $20 at door
The famous improvisations of the Duke Ellington/Jimmy Blanton duo are transcribed note for note and lovingly performed by Karine Chapdelaine, bass, and Bob Sykes, piano, alongside the performers’ own original improvised ideas. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.levineschool.org
- Brian Stokes Mitchell Sings Ellington American Songbook
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
David Baker, conductor
Manzari Brothers, tap dancers
Friday, February 17, 2012; 8 p.m.
Admission: $39–$79 (Stars Price $35.10–$71.10)
Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell flexes his jazz chops singing selections from the Ellington musicals Sophisticated Ladies, Play On and songs from Ellington’s last, unfinished musical, Queenie Pie. Stokes will perform favorites including “Satin Doll,” “A Train” and “Don't Get Round Much Anymore.” He'll be joined by the amazing talents of singer Julia Nixon and the dazzling tap footwork of D.C.'s own Manzari Brothers, all backed by the incomparable Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.
- Discover Ellington: Panel Discussion
Saturday, February 18, 2012; 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Free, no tickets required
Panelists John Edward Hasse, curator of American Music at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Director of Music at the Duke Ellington School Davey Yarborough and composer and author David Schiff (whose book, Ellington Century will be released in February) will explore the influences, relevance and legacy of Duke Ellington in a discussion led by Strathmore CEO Eliot Pfanstiehl.
- Big Band Ellington: Duke Goes Latin
Saturday, February 18, 2012; 8 p.m.
Admission: $29–$69 (Stars Price $26.10–$62.10)
Fresh from their regular gig at New York’s famed Birdland and appearances on NPR’s JazzSet, the Grammy-winning Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra led by Arturo O’Farrill, with NA Jazz Master and 10-time Grammy winner, Paquito D’Rivera, recreate the sound of the fabled Duke Ellington big band in such classics as “Caravan” and “In a Sentimental Mood,” and perform new pieces inspired by Ellington.
- Ellington: A Sacred Concert
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
Sunday, February 19, 2012; 4 p.m.
Admission: $30–$59 (Stars Price $27–$53.10)
In his last years, Ellington wrote three “sacred concerts,” performed live in New York City with a hand-picked group of masterful musicians and recorded for posterity. The compositions and performances remain some of the most revered in American music, and Ellington himself called them “the most important thing I have ever done.” Strathmore recreates historical moments from these legendary concerts, including “Come Sunday,” “David Danced Before the Lord” and “Something ‘bout Believing.”
- Discover Strathmore: Duke Ellington
Monday, February 20, 2012; 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: Free, no tickets required
Strathmore’s annual family festival explores the wonders of all things Ellington in a free, all-day celebration for all ages. Live multi-media performances, participatory concerts and workshops, including the Hot 8 Brass Band and JazzReach, will demonstrate how Ellington’s influence has been adapted into varying musical styles and makes Ellington’s legacy relatable to young musicians.
