Part of Hancher’s 53rd season

Wynton Marsalis and his eminent ensemble return with an inspired Ellington program. 

Duke Ellington found deep inspiration in Africa, and several works inspired by his relationship with the continent stand out among his classic jazz compositions. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis gives new life to those compositions in a program designed by saxophonists Chris Lewis and Alexa Tarantino, which is drawn from albums including Afro-Bossa, Liberian Suite, and the Grammy Award-winning Togo Brava Suite.

“Marsalis’ playing is as sharp as it’s ever been. He can command the room with an expertly controlled instability, serenading the audience with frenetic New-Orleans-infused grooves.” – Broadway World