Skip to page content

This January, Thomas Wilkins and the Los Angeles Philharmonic return to Ellington’s music against the backdrop of our own historical moment, during which the composer’s explorations of Black American history and expressive life, as well as his hopes for a more just and compassionate future, continue to resonate.

The LA Phil's Humanities Programs are generously supported by Linda and David Shaheen.

event photo

Robert Glasper Reimagines Ellington

The pianist partners with an orchestra and some very special guests in a 21st-century tribute to Duke Ellington.

Learn More

Artists

  • Robert Glasper
event photo

Symphonic Ellington: New World A-Comin’ with Gerald Clayton

Explore the symphonic range of Ellington from the whimsical dances in Night Creature to his majestic ballet The River. Plus, jazz pianist and composer Gerald Clayton lends his touch to New World A-Comin'.

Learn More

Program

    • Duke ELLINGTON (ARR. BERGER)
    Night Creature
    • ELLINGTON
    New World A-Comin’
  • Intermission
    • Duke ELLINGTON (ARR. PERESS)
    Black, Brown & Beige
    • Duke ELLINGTON (ORCH. COLLIER)
    The River Suite

Artists

  • Los Angeles Philharmonic
  • Thomas Wilkins, conductor
  • Gerald Clayton, piano
event photo

Symphonic Ellington: Sacred Concerts

Thomas Wilkins leads the LA Phil in Ellington’s spiritual Sacred Concerts, which the composer called the most important music he ever wrote, as well as his narrative history of Black America, Black, Brown & Beige.

Learn More

Program

    • Duke ELLINGTON (ARR. PERESS)
    Black, Brown & Beige
    • Duke ELLINGTON (ARR. GOULD)
    Solitude
  • Intermission
    • ELLINGTON
    “David Danced” from the Sacred Concerts (Chloé Arnold and Loren Smith)
    • ELLINGTON
    Selections from the Sacred Concerts
  • “Ain’t But the One” (Gene Noble, soloist)
  • “Tell Me It’s the Truth” (Kyla Jade, soloist)
  • “Heaven” (Sy Smith, soloist)
  • “Something Bout Believing” (Aja Grant, soloist)
  • “My Love” (Aretha Scruggs, soloist)
  • “Ain’t Nobody Nowhere without God” (Jamal Moore, soloist)
  • “The Majesty of God” (Ashley Támar, soloist)

Artists

  • Los Angeles Philharmonic
  • Thomas Wilkins, conductor
  • Chloé Arnold, choreographer and dancer
  • Aretha Scruggs, soprano
  • Ashley Támar, soprano
  • Amy Keys, soprano
  • Sy Smith, alto
  • Kyla Jade, alto
  • Aja Grant, alto
  • Loren Smith, tenor
  • Derrick Evans, tenor
  • Jeremy Keith, tenor
  • Gene Noble, bass
  • Jamal Moore, bass
  • Brandon Coleman, bass