Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP)announces its 2022-2023 Concert Season, Legacy. In their 19th performance year, CJP is returning to cherished original productions
starting with“Havana Blue”on September 24, 2022, “DuSable to Obama:Chicago’s Black Metropolis” on February 4, 2023; and the finale of the four-part“Chicago Immigrant Stories”series next spring.
“Leading up to the 20th season, we are celebrating ‘legacy’ by reliving Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s greatest performances and presenting the final production of our ‘Chicago Immigrant Stories’ series,”says CJP Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Orbert Davis. “We want to continue this legacy of creating experiences that inspire us all to change our world.” The season opener,"Havana Blue," is a rhythmical symphonic jazz work illustrating the sights, sounds, and people of Cuba as interpreted by Orbert Davis. Inspired by an exploratory trip to Cuba in 2012,
"Havana Blue" shares Davis' experiences and brings Cuba's rich cultural history to life through the sounds of the orchestra.The production explores similarities between African Cuban rhythms and culture,conveying the art and strength that gives Cuba its special place in the world.
In February, CJP is celebrating Black History Month with Orbert Davis' Emmy Award winning score to "DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis" live in concert; a critically acclaimed documentary produced by WTTW that first aired in 2010.Through the voices of its leading citizens, scholars, artists, politicians, and business leaders,“DuSable to Obama: Chicago's Black Metropolis”explores the history of Chicago's African American community from 1779 to present day.
“Havana Blue”and“DuSable to Obama”will take place at the Kehrein Center for the Arts in Chicago's Austin neighborhood, fulfilling a three-concert partnership with the venue.The partnership aims to help realize the Kehrein Center’s goal of becoming a cultural home on Chicago’s West Side. As further commitment to removing barriers to access to the arts, CJP is charging just $1.00 per ticket.
The final production of CJP’s signature series,“Chicago Immigrant Stories,”will take place spring 2023.
Since 2017, Co-Founder and Artistic Director Orbert Davis has invited guest musicians to share their families' origin stories, culture, and artistry to create compelling experiences for audiences across Chicago. In its fourth iteration,the concert represents the Chicago finale as CJP prepares for expansion
to a national conversation.
ABOUT CHICAGO JAZZ PHILHARMONIC Where jazz and classical meet in harmony The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic combines jazz and classical to create new, evolved, “third stream” musical experiences at home and around the world. CJP presents Third Stream to bridge communities,
educate the next generation of musicians, encourage cross-cultural dialogue, and expand creative practice.CJP’s musicians are drawn from a wealth of Chicago area talent, across both jazz and classical communities.The organization’s achievements have been recognized with the prestigious 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, and most recently the esteemed Chicago Cultural Treasures award in 2021. Chicago Jazz Philharmonic year-round community-based education programs improve lives from school age through adulthood. Learn more at www.chicagojazzphilharmonic.org