UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA JAZZ ORCHESTRA // PHOTO CREDIT: DESAUTELS FACULTY OF MUSIC
Jazzin’ up December
University of Manitoba Jazz Orchestra to perform on Dec. 11
The snow is falling and the air is cold but the University of Manitoba Jazz Orchestra (UMJO) will warm you up with a concert on Dec. 11.
Under the direction of Derrick Gardner, the Babs Asper Professor of Jazz Performance (Trumpet), the concert will be a mix of several styles within the jazz genre; from traditional standards, modern tunes by newer composers and some “down home blues” with a twist.
“Some of the selections you may be familiar with would be My Funny Valentine, On Green Dolphin Street, The Lamp is Low and I Loves You Porgy,” said Gardner. “There will be other great selections by composers such as Mulgrew Miller, Chick Corea, Oliver Nelson and David Baker.”
Gardner is no stranger to the North American jazz scene. He has performed internationally with some of the biggest names in jazz, including the Count Basie Orchestra (1991 to present), Ella Fitzgerald and Harry Connick Jr.
Gardner has been directing the UMJO since 2012. He says the most rewarding part is seeing the ensemble and the students develop as the school year progresses.
“We play a variety of music throughout the school year and some of it is quite challenging,” said Gardner. “The moment when the ensemble has grown into a challenging piece of music is when we have developed as an ensemble and individually.”
The UMJO performs at the John J.Conklin Theatre at the Gail Asper Performing Arts Hall, third level, Tache Arts Centre, 162 Dafoe Road. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They are available from the Music General Office, T319, Tache Arts Complex. For more information on Jazz news and events, check out the Desautels Jazz Studies Facebook page.
Other December Concerts
The Desautels Faculty of Music is presenting more concerts throughout the month of December:
Percussion Ensemble Performance
The UM Percussion Ensemble, directed by Victoria Sparks, presents an evening of percussion entertainment, featuring works by John Cage, Chick Corea & Emmanuel Sejourne.
Date: Dec. 2, 2016
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Eva Clare Hall, Marcel A. Desautels Music Building, 65 Dafoe Road
Tickets: Admission is free
SING! Annual Christmas Concert
The University Singers, UM Women’s Choir and UM Concert Choir perform their annual choral show.
Date: Dec. 3, 2016
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Location: Knox United Church, 400 Edmonton Street
Tickets: $15 for adults; $7 for students. Tickets are available from the Music General Office, Room T319, Tache Arts Complex
Mardi Jazz
A number of University of Manitoba small jazz ensembles, coached by our Jazz Faculty members, will be performing on the following dates, as part of the Mardi Jazz series.
Date: Dec. 6, 2016
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain Centre, 340 Provencher Boulevard
Tickets: $5 cover charge at the door
Cool Wednesday Night Hang
Several University of Manitoba small jazz ensembles perform at this weekly jam session.
Date: Dec. 7 and 14, 2016
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Nicolino’s Restaurant, 2077 Pembina Highway
Tickets: No admission fee, but premises are licensed