Jazz Greats Featured In WCSU Holiday Concert Program

DANBURY — The inspired sounds of music legends such as Duke Ellington will fill the air when Western Connecticut State University presents “Holiday Jazz” in Ives Concert Hall, 181 White Street, on Sunday, December 12. The concert will begin at 7 pm.

Western faculty, students and other instrumentalists will join forces to interpret works by the inimitable Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie and Stan Kenton, as well as material from contemporary composers/arrangers Bill Holman, Matt Cattingub, Tom Kubis, Pat Metheny, Bob Mintzer and Jon Fedchock.

The concert will begin with a set by WCSU Jazz Guitar Ensemble I, under the direction of Chris Morrison. The WCSU Day Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Jamie Begian, will follow with music by Sammy Nestico, Herbie Hancock, Ellington and Mr Begian himself.

Following a brief intermission, the WCSU Jazz Orchestra will perform a set that will feature arrangements of holiday classics “Jingle Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Greensleeves,” among others.

There is no admission charge for the concert; however, a $5 donation is requested with all proceeds to benefit students in the University’s jazz studies program.