Tweet It! .@bmarsalis and @jeanwillykunz perform a duet of saxophone and organ at the @kimmelcenter 2/16. More info @ kimmelcenter.org
Press Contact: Monica Robinson Rachel Goldman 215-790-5847 267-765-3712 [email protected] [email protected]
FROM CLASSICAL TO JAZZ WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS COMBINES SAXOPHONE AND ORGAN ON THE KIMMEL CENTER CULTURAL CAMPUS FEBRUARY 16, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, December 18, 2017) – The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is honored to welcome jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis alongside Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal’s first ever organist in residence, Jean-Willy Kunz, as the pair perform a dazzling duet in Verizon Hall, Friday, February 16, 2018 at 8:00 p.m.
“The Marsalis name is a staple of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ programming, as we have been lucky enough to welcome brother Wynton Marsalis several times,” said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “Now, Branford takes the stage to showcase his renowned talent and perform beautiful music with OSM’s Jean-Willy Kunz on the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ. We are thrilled to host this unique collaboration!”
Growing up in the rich environment of New Orleans as the oldest son of pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis, Branford was drawn to music along with siblings Wynton, Delfeayo, and Jason. His first instrument, the clarinet, gave way to the alto and then the tenor and soprano saxophones when the teenage Branford began working in local bands. A growing fascination with jazz as he entered college gave him the basic tools to obtain his first major jobs, with trumpet legend Clark Terry and alongside Wynton in Art Blakey’s legendary Jazz Messengers. When the brothers left to form the Wynton Marsalis Quintet, the world of uncompromising acoustic jazz was invigorated. Branford formed his own quartet in 1986 and, with a few minor interruptions in the early years, has sustained the unit as his primary means of expression. It is known for the telepathic communication among its uncommonly consistent personnel, its deep book of original music replete with expressive melodies and provocative forms, and an unrivaled spirit in both live and recorded performances. The Branford Marsalis Quartet has long been recognized as the standard to which other ensembles of its kind must be measured.
Jean-Willy Kunz is the first organist in residence of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. In addition to playing both with the Orchestra and in recital, he sees to the development and showcasing of the OSM's Grand Orgue Pierre-Béique at Maison Symphonique de Montréal. His most recent performances include concerts with l’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, les Violons du Roy, the Cirque du Soleil, as well as with the singers Pierre Lapointe, and Rufus and Martha Wainwright. Jean-Willy Kunz holds a doctorate in organ performance from McGill University and is organ professor at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal.
Other featured upcoming performances at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus include: Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars (January 12, 2018, Merriam Theater), Laurin Talese (February 10, 2018, Perelman Theater), Regina Carter: Simply Ella (March 24, 2018, Perelman Theater) and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Chick Corea (April 8, 2018, Academy of Music).
FROM CLASSICAL TO JAZZ WITH BRANFORD MARSALIS Verizon Hall February 16, 2018, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets Tickets are on sale now and start at $35.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883. See kimmelcenter.org for more information.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, the Kimmel Center’s mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center Campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the Merriam Theater. The Kimmel Center is also home to eight Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the region’s most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of the Kimmel Center’s 2017-2018 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit www.kimmelcenter.org.
# # #
For photography, please visit www.kcpress.smugmug.com