“WITNESS: The Duke Ellington Effect” Feb. 17, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota

[The Definitive Duke Ellington; Sony 61444 (2000)]

The VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers will be led by conductor Philip Brunelle in a performance called “WITNESS: The Duke Ellington Effect” on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Here is an excerpt from the VocalEssence website:

“Big band” orchestra, soloists, the VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers and conductor Philip Brunelle gather to celebrate the music of Duke (Edward Kennedy) Ellington — not only a great performer and band leader, but also considered the most important composer in jazz history.

Duke Ellington’s adventurous spirit opened the way for the next generation of African American composers including William Banfield and Stephen Newby, and the first half of the concert will explore the “Ellington Effect” — how these composers and others have been influenced by his music. Full Program

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