Essentially Ellington Concert

Duke Ellington’s music lies at the core of the rich canon of jazz music. Jazz at Lincoln Center created the Essentially Ellington annual high school jazz band competition and festival 16 years ago with the goal of instilling a broader understanding of Ellington’s pivotal and singular role within the genre. The competition and festival culminates in an astonishing display of musicianship and virtuosity by the three top placing high school jazz big bands, who perform on the hallowed stage of Avery Fisher Hall with guest soloist Wynton Marsalis; the concert also features a full set of music by the acclaimed Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Join us and prepare to be inspired!