Saturday, March 27 - 8 p.m.
Admission: $25 (adults), $15 (students). Each paid adult may be accompanied by up to three elementary or high school students.
The Impressions in Jazz Orchestra performs selections from the three sacred concerts (1965-1973) that were hailed by Ellington as: “the most important thing I've ever done or am ever likely to do”. Incorporating elements of classical, jazz and gospel music, this season finale will bring together almost fifty artists for an Ottawa premiere that should not be missed.
Featuring the IJO's 15-piece repertory orchestra with special guest artists:
- Doreen Taylor-Claxton - soprano
- Marcus Nance - bass-baritone (Toronto)
- Elise Letourneau - alto
- Melissa Roy - tap dancer
and the Capital Vox Jazz Choir
More info: www.impressionsinjazz.ca/DC-270310.html
Tickets available at
- on-line at TicketWeb.ca
- Compact Music in the Glebe
- all locations of CD Warehouse
- the door on the evening of the concert.
Adrian writes: "In five years the IJO has done a great deal. We've performed no less than 12 Ottawa/Canadian premieres of great works including Miles Ahead, Sketches of Spain, Ellington's Liberian Suite, Such Sweet Thunder, Far East Suite and the list goes on.
For me personally, the opportunity to perform music from Ellington's sacred concerts will top all of these by far. Words are not enough to express what this music means. It's also important for me to say that if you rule out attending this concert simply because it is "sacred music" then you're really missing out a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience something special.
As many of you know, I am a big fan of collaboration and the IJO has collaborated extensively over the years. This promises to be our most fruitful collaboration to date. Fifty artists on stage - all local except for one guest artist from Toronto. I don't need to wax lyrical about the orchestra but something needs to be said about our guest artists.
The Capital Vox jazz choir features many of Ottawa's best jazz vocalists. They not only sound great but they know how to swing, groove and perform. This music will really give them something to sink their teeth into with elements of gospel, jazz and classical music in four, five and six-part harmony.
Marcus Nance has one helluva of a voice. Some of you may remember that he performed with us back in 2006. He had a great time performing with us and it's great to have him back. He'll have a starring role in this show singing bass and baritone parts and narrating.
Doreen Taylor-Claxton. What can I say? I love her voice, her spirit and her fantastic attitude to performing and collaborating. She's got it all and the idea of her and Marcus singing together - WOW! Doreen will sing the parts made famous by Swedish soprano, Alice Babs. Hint: We are planning a show with Doreen for next season.
Elise Letourneau. Elise will not only be directing the choir but singing a few solo pieces as well. She's acknowledged as one of the best jazz vocalists and when you hear her scat on "David Danced" you'll know why.
Melissa Roy. Yes it's true, there is one number in this concert that requires tap dancing. Only Ellington could have come up with the idea of tap dancing for "David Danced Before the Lord." To be honest I have no idea what Melissa will do but I know it will be great.
Please come out and join us and bring everyone else you can drag along. You'll hear live music that you're unlikely to ever hear again in Ottawa and you'll be supporting some great Ottawa artists."
Dominion Chalmers United Church
355 Cooper Street
Ottawa