David Berger Jazz Orchestra and Ron Sunshine Celebrate The Great American Songbook at Birdland
Composer, arranger, and conductor, David Berger, is recognized internationally as a leading authority on the music of Duke Ellington and the Swing Era. Conductor and arranger for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra from its inception in 1988 through 1994, Berger has transcribed more than 750 full scores of classic recordings, including more than 500 works by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Several of these transcriptions in addition to a number of original arrangements are featured in last season's Broadway hit, After Midnight.
BWW Reviews: ELLINGTON AT CHRISTMAS Brings Holiday Charm to Harlem's Apollo Theater
At the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the arrival of the holiday season is marked by 'Holidays at the Apollo,' which this year includes 'Ellington at Christmas,' a two-act offering of Ellington's 'Nutcracker Suite' and portions of his 'Sacred Music Concerts.' We're re-gifted these Ellington holiday classics in an enjoyable, if not completely flawless performance by Ellington expert David Berger and his Jazz Orchestra, featuring students from the Dance Theater of Harlem School and the Arts High School Advanced Choir of Newark, as well as solos by baritone Norm Lewis, sopranos Lizz Wright and Priscilla Baskerville, and tap virtuoso Jason Samuels Smith.
Savion Glover and Lizz Wright Star in THE ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN NUTCRACKER Today at NJPAC
NJPAC will welcome Newark's own virtuosic tap dancer Savion Glover for a special holiday presentation featuring the music of Duke Ellington today, December 8 at 4 pm in Prudential Hall. Glover, who holds the unofficial title of Newark's tap master, will be joined by singers Lizz Wright and Priscilla Baskerville, the David Berger Jazz Orchestra, and Dance Theater of Harlem students. Adding to this magical afternoon -- 48 students from the Arts High Advanced Choir will perform David Berger's arrangement of Ellington's 'Sing Out'.
Savion Glover and Lizz Wright to Star in THE ELLINGTON NUTCRACKER 12/8 at NJPAC
NJPAC will welcome Newark's own virtuosic tap dancer Savion Glover for a special holiday presentation featuring the music of Duke Ellington on Sunday, December 8 at 4 pm in Prudential Hall. Glover, who holds the unofficial title of Newark's tap master, will be joined by singers Lizz Wright and Priscilla Baskerville, the David Berger Jazz Orchestra, and Dance Theater of Harlem students. Adding to this magical afternoon -- 48 students from the Arts High Advanced Choir will perform David Berger's arrangement of Ellington's "Sing Out".
An Evening of Spirituals & Songs of Faith by African American Composers Highlight Ride the Chariot October 9
Five talented musicians are joining forces to present "Ride the Chariot," an evening of African American songs including such favorites such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Steal Away," "A City Called Heaven," "Ain't Got Time to Die," among others. Performing are Rashard Allen, baritone; Jessica Gondwe, soprano; Naomi Christine Leapheart, contralto; Christyan Seay, tenor and Maria Thompson Corley, pianist.