Orbert Davis's Chicago Jazz Philharmonic to Return to Auditorium Theatre

Orbert Davis's Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) returns to the Auditorium Theatre on Friday, November 11, with a diverse program that celebrates the rich cultural fabric of the United States.

The evening includes a Veterans Day salute to Chicago veterans, the world premiere of a suite inspired by the Mississippi River and its cultural and geographical significance, and a revisiting of the piece "Concerto for a Genius" with MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant winner and acclaimed pianist Reginald Robinson. Chicago Jazz Philharmonic also premieres a piece called "Reencuentro (Reunion)," written by the 18-year-old Cuban musician Jorge Enrique Amado Molina, who was inspired to compose the piece after performing with the CJP at the Auditorium Theatre in 2015's Cuba: Scenes From Life.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic to our Historic Landmark stage as part of our American Music Series," says Auditorium Theatre CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. "The unforgettable evening of American music includes a diverse program of works that honor our veterans, celebrate the mighty Mississippi River, and introduce us to a world premiere created by a young Cuban musician who was inspired by his Chicago experience last year. This is a not-to-be-missed performance!"

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, founded by Artistic Director Orbert Davis in 2004, is a 2016 recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. The orchestra fuses jazz and classical styles to create a "third stream" musical experience that can be enjoyed by students, musicians, audiences, and communities around the world.

PROGRAM:

Home and Away Suite (composed by Orbert Davis)
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's "Home and Away Suite" was commissioned in 2012 by Boeing, in partnership with the USO of Illinois, as a salute to Illinois servicemen and women. The suite features an arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Movement 1 from Suite for Jazz Band and Orchestra (composed by Daniel Schnyder)
CJP revisits a piece by the Grammy-nominated composer and performer Daniel Schnyder, commissioned for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's 10th anniversary in 2014.

Concerto for a Genius (composed by Orbert Davis)
Orbert Davis honors ragtime pianist virtuoso Reginald Robinson, who will join CJP for the performance of this suite.

Reencuentro (Reunion) (composed by Jorge Enrique Amado Molina)
CJP premieres a piece by the 18-year-old Cuban composer Jorge Enrique Amado Molina, who was one of 35 Cuban students to perform on the Auditorium Theatre's stage in 2015. Molina gifted this third stream composition, inspired by his trip to Chicago, to Orbert Davis when Davis returned to Cuba in September 2016.

Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? (composed by Eddie DeLange and Louis Alter, arranged by Orbert Davis)
Orbert Davis and CJP put their own unique spin on this classic song, written by Eddie DeLange and Louis Alter and performed by famous musicians including Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, and Billie Holiday.

The Mississippi River Suite: Black and Blues (composed by Orbert Davis)
Inspired by the historic river's cultural and geographical influence, Orbert Davis presents the world premiere of his Mississippi River suite, exploring the mighty river's significance throughout history.

Tickets start at $29, and are available online at AuditoriumTheatre.org, by phone at 312.341.2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Parkway). Discounts available for groups of 10+. Chicago Jazz Philharmonic is part of the American Music Series, which offers a 30% discounted subscription online at AuditoriumTheatre.org.

The Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy in Chicago, is an Illinois, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark. In September of 2014, the Auditorium Theatre was awarded the inaugural Fifth Star Award by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

The Auditorium Theatre 2016-17 Season is made possible in part with support from the MacArthur Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theatre tours, call 312.341.2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org. For a complete listing of events at the Auditorium Theatre, click here.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic photo by DarRon Jones.