The famous big-band Duke Ellington Orchestra- one of the best jazz orchestras in the world - comes again to Romania on November 10^th, 2011, in a special concert at the Palace Hall from Bucharest. Under the baton of Paul Mercer, the nephew of the great Duke, the orchestra has taken over Ellington's musical legacy and has been playing concerts for eight years in the actual formula, on every continent on the globe, taking forward the 'Duke's' tradition. The concert starts at 20:30, and access is allowed from 19:30.

About the Duke and his orchestra

With over 20.000 representations in the entire world, the Duke Ellington Orchestrahas conquered the jazz loving audience's hearts and the appreciation of the musical critiques from everywhere. Founded in 1923, the band got its name from its founder, the famous pianist and conductor Duke Ellington, also known as the duke of jazz, winner of 13 Grammies. The actual formula of the orchestra is composed of 16 musicians, both young interpreters as well as veterans from the old band conducted by Duke Ellington, among whom the trumpeter Barrie Lee Hall, all exceptional technicians. The interpreted original repertoire will offer the audience the occasion to admire the unlimited creative abilities of the interpreters. On November 10^th, 2 hours of pure jazz expect you, a formidable vintage Ellington, with evergreens such as Take the 'A' Train, Satin Doll, The Mooche, Cotton Club Stomp, Full Moon at Midnight. A night with memories from the 30's, when Ellington's band attracted the New York elite to Harlem for delicious jazz nights, making the once disreputable neighbourhood one of the most sought places of the city.

Ellington's music has changed the world. He called it American music rather than jazz, and he liked to describe those who had influenced him 'beyond any framing'. Moreover, he destroyed important racial barriers in the American society. Pioneer of jazz, the 'Duke' has definitively contributed to the inauguration of his swing era (It Don't Mean A Thing, 1943). He is also the father of numerous innovations in the jazz music domain: he utilized the human voice as musical instrument, leaving words behind, putting the contrast on high and low notes, frequently using blues tonalities, in a style called 'jungle music'. He is considered to be the founder of this style. He signed over 2000 songs and compositions: jazz, religious music, classical music. He composed the soundtrack for four movies and he played along artists such as John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. But Duke Ellington's biggest achievement is the orchestra that proudly bears his name. With a melodic jazz, dynamic, and an impeccable orchestration, the Duke Ellington Orchestra promises, as always, an eclectic and electrifying show.

Helpful information

The tickets, at the price of 100, 140 and 180 lei can be purchased starting with October 10^th, through the Eventim network from the Germanos, Orange, Vodafone stores, the Cărtureşti and Humanitas bookshops and on the website www.eventim.ro. The tickets can be bought in two monthly rates, only through CardAvantaj, at the Events office from Bd. Lascăr Catargiu no. 15 A or at the Eventim office from str. Polonă no. 15.