Blue Notes: Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter, Gwilym Simcock

An evening of classic cool from Duke Ellington and Wayne Shorter, led by the UK’s foremost jazz musicians.

Moving effortlessly between classical and jazz music, with a harmonic sophistication and subtle dovetailing of musical traditions, Gwilym Simcock is one of the most gifted pianists and imaginative composers on the European scene. He joins Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra in an exploration of Duke Ellington’s rich symphonic music: from the opening trumpet cry signifying Harlem, Ellington narrates a city within a city, putting its multi-ethnic character, deep spirituality and musical vibrance on full display. Also included are two of Wayne Shorter’s most famous compositions, as well as Gwilym’s own powerhouse jazz concerto, aided by James Maddren’s driving drums and Conor Chaplin’s (Billy Cobham, Jacob Collier) upright bass.

We’re delighted to welcome back the American conductor Clark Rundell, who opened BPO’s last season with such élan. A world-class leader in contemporary and jazz music, Clark’s globetrotting has taken him from Boston Symphony to the Tokyo Philharmonic, from Leonard Bernstein to Brad Mehldau.

‘Gwilym’s an original. A creative genius.’ Chick Corea