Los Angeles Music Preview: JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS (Valley Performing Arts Center Gala)

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by Tony Frankel on October 4, 2016

in Theater-Los Angeles,Tours

THE PRIDE OF JAZZ PURITANS

Wynton Marsalis has received a plethora of awards from numerous countries, committees and academies for his talents and contributions to the world as a musician, arranger, composer, and cultural ambassador. In 2009, he received the Insignia Chevalier of the Legion of Honor from France; it’s the equivalent of attaining knighthood in the UK. French Ambassador Pierre Vimont introduced Marsalis at the ceremony and stated, “I strongly believe that, for you, jazz is more than just a musical form. It is tradition, it is part of American history and culture and life. To you, jazz is the sound of democracy. And from this democratic nature of jazz derives openness, generosity, and universality.”

jazz-at-lincoln-center-photo-by-frank-stewart

But then there’s the execution of jazz. Marsalis will be appearing with The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) at the Valley Performing Arts Center this Saturday October 8 at 8:00, as part of VPAC’s 2016 Arts Education Benefit Gala. Find out first hand how Music Director Marsalis keeps Jazz tradition alive by celebrating with dutiful respect to its icons, presenting his work in a classy and formal manner, performing with those who are well-versed, actively engaged, and technically proficient in the genre: 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today.

jazz-at-lincoln-center-art

With verve and panache, JLCO (established by Mr. Marsalis in 1988) is a tight, well-oiled machine which performs every song with tenacity and technical proficiency–and dressed formally in suit and tie when I have seen them before. JLCO performs a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to commissioned works.

Jesse David Corti's Stage and Cinema review of WYNTON MARSALIS LA Phil at Disney Hall

Tickets are selling out for both individual sale and to the gala, which includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and an after-party with the musicians. The gala raises money for arts education programs. VPAC is committed to helping students tap into their own creative potential to dream, wonder and innovate. To that end, the celebrated CSUN Jazz “A” Band, directed by Matt Harris, will open the show. The Band is recognized as one of the finest college jazz bands in the nation; their recordings are heard on jazz radio stations around the world and have received rave reviews.

photos by Frank Stewart and Joe Martinez

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Valley Performing Arts Center
18111 Nordhoff Street in Northridge
Saturday, October 8 at 8:00pm
for tickets, call 818.677.3000 or visit VPAC

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