Duke Ellington was a jazz composer and bandleader in the early 1900s. He is quite possibly one of the greatest jazz composers of all time. Written alongside collaborator, Billy Strayhorn, "The Nutcracker Suite" is a jazz reimagining of Tchaikovsky’s" Nutcracker Suite."
The Water Gap Jazz Orchestra will be performing Ellington’s rendition alongside the new "Grinch Suite," written by WGJO director, Dr. Matt Vashlishan.
Featuring Ellington’s own grandson, Mr. Edward Ellington II, as narrator and Mrs. Nancy Reed as vocalist, the performance stands to be an excellent way to ring in the holiday season.
Jersey Arts speaks to Nancy Reed about her experience working with the orchestra as well as her own history with jazz.
Thanks for listening!
The Jersey Arts Podcast is one medium of Feature Stories on Discover Jersey Arts (jerseyarts.com), where articles and videos also cover New Jersey’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
Discover Jersey Arts is presented by ArtPride New Jersey. The program was co-founded by, and is currently supported by funds from, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Additional support for JerseyArts.com content is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.