Minnesota Orchestra Launches Jazz Series

"I'm extremely honored and excited to bring the essence, spirit and soul of New Orleans to a fine American orchestra hall. From the end of the Mississippi back to its source, we will take a journey with listeners as our passengers and jazz our destination," said Mayfield.

Mayfield was named the Minnesota Orchestra's first-ever artistic director of jazz in July, a post in which he will oversee all jazz series programming, serve as performer and participate in education programs.

A native of New Orleans, Mayfield is best known as an outstanding trumpeter, founder/leader of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, and impassioned Cultural Ambassador of the City of New Orleans.

The Programs

A MINNEAPOLIS MARDI GRAS with special guests: Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra All Stars, and Rebirth Brass Band
Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Introducing the Orchestra's newly appointed Artistic Director of Jazz for Orchestra Hall, Irvin Mayfield, and the city he hails from, New Orleans, this concert features a rousing celebration of the sounds and flavors of that vibrant city at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Starting with a foot stomping second line performed by the hottest brass band in New Orleans today, Rebirth Brass Band, the celebration continues with the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra All-Stars and features New Orleans' Queen of Soul, Irma Thomas.

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS
The Music of Thelonious Monk
Friday, March 6, 2009, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

The legendary jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk wrote mostly for quartets and quintets—but fortunately for us, his works also exist in great arrangements for larger ensembles. Highlighted in this very special concert by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, this music features big-band renditions of Monk's fascinating, idiosyncratic compositions designed to make listeners fall in love with jazz all over again.

McCOY TYNER QUARTET
Thursday, April 30, 2009, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Four-time Grammy winner and blues pianist McCoy Tyner, a living jazz icon, is the sole remaining member of the John Coltrane Quartet, one of the most celebrated groups in jazz history. In this concert, Tyner brings that expertise to Orchestra Hall in a spirited, moving performance of jazz standards.

THE ART OF PASSION
Thursday, July 23, 2009, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Featuring a newly commissioned work by Irvin Mayfield, The Art of Passion, this program explores a radical encounter between jazz and classical music. Neither style is compromised in this disarming dialogue of four movements dedicated to the themes that matter to the music: love, passion, truth and adventure. Irvin Mayfield and his Quintet, along with the Minnesota Orchestra, jointly explore these themes as Sommerfest Artistic Director Andrew Litton taps into his own jazz roots to conduct the concert.

SINGIN' THE BLUES WITH THE RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO
Thursday, August 13, 2009, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Through engaging and revealing dialogue and piano, Ramsey Lewis narrates the story of how blues has affected jazz throughout history, as well as how blues has impacted him musically both as a performer and composer. Musical selections from Lewis' recordings, including Barefoot Sunday Blues, Blues for the Night Owl and Wade in the Water, are highlighted. Local singer Bruce Henry opens the program performing blues and jazz. -- www.minnesotaorchestra.org