Herbie Hancock To Continue As The William Powers And Carolyn Powers Creative Chair For Jazz

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today the extension of Herbie Hancock's contract as the William Powers and Carolyn Powers Creative Chair for Jazz through the 2021 season at Hollywood Bowl and the 2020/21 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Hancock's tenure began in the summer of 2010; under his guidance the Los Angeles Philharmonic has offered jazz programming from around the world with artists such as Christian McBride, Wayne Shorter, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Miller, Chick Corea, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Quincy Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Bobby McFerrin, Trombone Shorty, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, and many more. During the 2018/19 Centennial season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hancock will perform with the LA Phil, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, as part of LA Fest, a series of six concerts that celebrate the city Hancock calls home. Also, for the first time ever, Hancock will curate a program for the LA Phil's Green Umbrella series, focused on new music.

This performance, The Edge of Jazz, will feature the world premieres of LA Phil-commissioned pieces from artists including Hitomi Oba, Vijay Iyer, Tyshawn Sorey, Kamasi Washington, Billy Childs, and Hermeto Pascoal.

The works will be performed by the LA Phil New Music Group, led by LA Phil Assistant Conductor Paolo Bortolameolli. The upcoming jazz seasons at Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall also present a diverse blend of new jazz stars and beloved greats such as George Benson; Gregory Porter performing selections from Nat King Cole & Me; TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb' Mo' Band; Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; Snarky Puppy performing with the LA Phil; Ramsey Lewis, Kenny Barron, Benny Green, Bill Charlap, Renee Rosnes, and Gerald Clayton paying tribute to Oscar Peterson; Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour 60th Anniversary Celebration featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant, plus SF Jazz Collective honoring Antônio Carlos Jobim; and more.

"I'm so delighted to be helping the LA Phil celebrate 100 years," says Herbie Hancock. "It has been a true pleasure to partner with an organization that has been committed to growth and innovation, especially through our imaginative jazz programming. I look forward to continuing this partnership over the next few years and wish the LA Phil continued success for the next 100!"

"Herbie Hancock has been defining the future of jazz for close to half a century, and, fortunately for us, he shows no signs of stopping," says Simon Woods, CEO of the LA Phil. "We are so privileged to have Herbie as part of our creative team, and we are thrilled that he will continue to bring his innovative vision to our jazz programming during our Centennial season and beyond."

The Creative Chair for Jazz works directly with the programming department of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, crafting the jazz series and related education initiatives presented annually by the LA Phil. The position was first held by Dianne Reeves in 2002; she was succeeded by Christian McBride in 2006. Herbie Hancock, the third incumbent, was originally named to the position in March 2009 and began his tenure with the 2010 season of the Hollywood Bowl.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres - orchestral, chamber, and Baroque music; organ and celebrity recitals; new music, jazz, world music, and pop - at two of L.A.'s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (laphil.com) and the Hollywood Bowl (hollywoodbowl.com).

The LA Phil's season at Walt Disney Concert Hall extends from September through June, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education, and community programs.

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