The Philly POPS Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia brings swing to the holiday season

The Philly POPS Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra returns to the stage with its annual holiday tradition – The Holiday Celebration of the Philly POPS Philadelphia Jazz Orchestra, on December 18 at 8 p.m. at Penn Live Arts.

For the first set, the Philly POPS Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, under the direction of POPS Artistic Director for Jazz Terell Stafford, will present Duke Ellington and Billy strayhornIt’s Harlem The Nutcracker.

Released in 1960, Ellington and Strayhorn’s Harlem Nutcracker infused the music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite with lively, jazzy energy, with song names like “Peanut Brittle Brigade” (based on the “March”) and “Sugar Rum. Cherry “(based on the” Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy “). The sequel shows Ellington and Strayhorn’s versatility as composers and arrangers, with the pieces spanning a wide range of musical sounds, emotions, and locations. This is the seventh performance of the Harlem Nutcracker JOP, a tradition started in honor of the great jazz saxophonist, Jimmy heath.

“The Harlem Nutcracker is an important tradition for the Philly POPS Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, and for me too,” said Jazz Artistic Director Terell Stafford. “It takes all those Holiday Nutcracker favorites and makes them swing – each in their own way. I’m happy to welcome one of my masters students from Temple – and seven-year POPS Pathways Co-Op student – John Meko, the trumpet for his first full performance with the Jazz Orchestra. “

In the second half of the show, the JOP will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legend of the jazz saxophone Charlie parker. For this ensemble, Terell selected guest artists Charles McPherson and Jaleel Shaw, as well as saxophonist JOP oat dick, represent Charlie parkerthe style.

“Charles McPherson, Jaleel Shaw and oat dick are three of the best saxophonists in the world, ”said Stafford. “Each of them is able to embody the spirit and the game of Charlie parker like few others can. And as someone who has influenced almost all modern jazz musicians, it is an honor to celebrate Bird on his 100th birthday. “

For details and tickets, click here: https://tickets.pennlivearts.org/0/73589.