“SUCH SWEET THUNDER” – HONORING THE LEGACY OF DUKE ELLINGTON

Join us for a joyful holiday celebration honoring the legendary Duke Ellington, presented by The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts (DECFA) in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation(ATDF). Held at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space on Dec. 12 (7pm) in New York City, the evening is hosted by Mercedes Ellington, Duke’s granddaughter, and Tony Waag, artistic director of the American Tap Dance Foundation. Enjoy live performances by The Duke Ellington Center Big Band, with guest musicians, dancers, and vocalists. The program features a rare full performance of "Such Sweet Thunder"—Ellington’s twelve-part jazz suite inspired by the works of William Shakespeare—and more iconic selections from Ellington’s catalog. Composed with Billy Strayhorn in under three weeks, "Such Sweet Thunder" channels Shakespeare’s drama, wit, and poetry through the bold language of jazz.