In 1914, a young man, Edward Ellington, wrote a simple piano piece entitled Soda Fountain Rag. Over the next sixty years, he would compose a cannon of work which would have him recognised as the foremost American composer of any genre. Nicknamed Duke by his school-friends because of his regal bearing, Ellington’s music contains a unique blend of contrasts and contradictions. At once cutting edge and elegant, intimate and shouting, traditional and progressive, the music is unique, exciting, earthy and refined.

The Echoes of Ellington Orchestra, was formed to celebrate the Duke’s music, and to bring it, by live performance, to a modern audience. Jazz enthusiasts the length and breadth of the U.K., and later on in Europe and the United States, have been amazed by the group’s ability to get inside the scores and really bring out the Ellington flavour.

Today, the orchestra is in its finest incarnation yet, with highly specialised virtuoso players on all the instruments who understand intimately the nuances put on the page by the Duke.

This concert will focus on the great hits- expect to hear “Take The A Train”, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “Cotton Tail”, “Caravan”, “All Too Soon”, “Passion Flower”, and all your other Ellington favourites!

This Duke Ellington Song Book concert is conducted and presented by clarinettist Pete Long, who over the years has built a reputation as the pre-eminent big band front man in the United Kingdom today.

Vocalist Sara Oschlag joins the Echos of Ellington Orchestra. Her stage presence, expressive voice and effortless sense of swing have made her a firm favourite with musicians and audiences alike. Her Ella Fitzgerald interpretations of the Duke Ellington Song book have amazed and entertained audiences across the UK. Here she is in intimate vocal mood with her trio.

This will be another inspiring and enjoyable way to spend a Sunday Lunchtime in the company of great musicians making wonderful music.

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