The program, African TarantellaÉDances with Duke, will feature re-orchestrations by Harris of Ellington's well-known compositions, including the New Orleans Suite and Queen's Suites, as well as three original pieces by Harris.
Instead of assembling a standard big band in Duke's Ellington's image, Harris has chosen an uncommon chamber jazz ensemble to convey this music. Built upon an acoustic quartet (vibraphone, piano, bass and drums), the group also features clarinet, trombone, flute, viola and cello.
The 34-year-old Harris is widely recognized for his energetic stage presence and virtuosity and lauded by both his peers and jazz critics for exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone. More information about Harris is available at [www.stefonharris.com].
Tickets for the show are $7 for UD students and children; $15 for seniors, employees and alumni; and $21 for all others and can be purchased at the Bob Carpenter Center and Trabant University Center box offices, as well as through Ticketmaster [www.ticketmaster.com], where a service charge may apply.
The concert is part of UD's 2007-08 Performing Arts Series and is made possible, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the generous support of the Courtyard Marriott at Newark.
