Ron Miles, Trumperter, Joins JSO for Special Concert Celebrating Black History Month
Miles who is a trumpeter, cornet player, arranger and composer has become an international icon in the world of jazz. His playing style features a unique singing quality and his exceptional talent is accompanied by a humble and generous spirit. He is an active performer and has collaborated with guitarist Bill Frisell, drummer Brian Blade, bandleader Mercer Ellington, drummer Ginger Baker, clarinetist Don Bryon and pianist Jason Moran to name a few. His recording career includes releases with Gramavision, Prolific and Capri. In addition, he is the Director of Jazz Studies at Metropolitan State University in Denver.
Miles will perform the Trumpet Concerto by Grace Mary Williams who is recognized as one of the greatest female composers of the 20th century. The Welsh composer wrote two symphonies, several symphonic suites, symphonic poems, concertos for piano, violin, trumpet, oboe, large scale choral works, chamber and solo instrumental pieces during her lifetime (1906-1977).
The program will also include two landmark compositions by prominent African-American composers. The first is the Suite from The River by Duke Ellington. This jazzy piece features seven sections extracted from the complete ballet, The River, which premiered in 1971 by Alvin Alley’s dance company. It was Ellington’s first symphonic score written for dance. Audiences will likely recognize familiar melodies such as The River Giggling Rapids.
A symphonic celebration of Black History Month would not be complete without a performance of the Afro-American Symphony by William Grant Still. The Afro-American Symphony, written in 1930, was the first symphony written by an African American and performed by a major orchestra in America. It is an easy listen with its blues-inspired melodic lines and harmonic colorings.
Tickets for the February 19, 2017 concert can be purchased by visiting www.Jeffsymphony.org, calling the JSO office at (303) 278-4237 or at the door on the day of the performance. Individual ticket prices are: Adult $25, Senior (62+) $20, Student (11-21yrs old) $10, Child (10yrs old and under) $5.
The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is currently celebrating its 64th anniversary concert season. What began as a small chamber ensemble in 1953 has grown to one of the most well regarded community symphonic orchestras in Colorado comprised of over 75 members from across the Front Range area. Under the leadership of Maestro William Morse, Music Director and Principal Conductor, the orchestra continues to bring innovative musical programming to the community.
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