Hitchin Chamber Orchestra and the Hitchin Jazz Collective

Hitchin Chamber Orchestra and the Hitchin Jazz Collective perform an evening of Jazz, Song and Strings

June 23rd 7.30 pm. St Mary’s Church, Hitchin

Jazz and Strings have complimented each other for longer than people may think! In the 1920’s a number of big bands incorporated a string section (Paul Whiteman and Jean Goldette to name but two). However it was Charlie Parker’s ‘Bird with Strings’ sessions in 1950 and 1952 that really hit the spot. We’re delighted to present transcriptions of two charts from those recordings, ‘Summertime’ and ‘East of the Sun’.

Our concert brings together two Hitchin ensembles, the well-established Hitchin Chamber Orchestra and the recently formed Hitchin Jazz Collective. Both bands include many players from the local community, from which we are blessed to have many outstanding musicians. We are very excited to be presenting this concert together.

As well as our joint pieces, both groups will also perform some repertoire separately.

Featuring in the concert will be Izzy Doncaster (vocals) and Alan Lewis (Alto and Soprano Sax). Izzy is at the beginning of her musical career but has already performed around the UK. Alan is an established local musician, leading the Sax section of several big bands in Hertfordshire. Two Hertfordshire musicians, Duncan Fraser and Jimi Day have also arranged five of the pieces for our program.

We are also very pleased to welcome another popular North Herts musician, Trevor Hughes, as our Conductor for the evening.

We can certainly promise a concert of eclectic and diverse content. We pay tribute to the music of Duke Ellington, Amy Winehouse, the smooth soul of Sade, Quincy Jones’ brilliant writing and Latin supremo’s Tito Puente and Chick Corea.

Tickets on the door, £14 adults, £7.00 Students, Advanced Tickets, £12 Adults, £6.00 Children/Students. Eventbrite, Hitchin Initiative, www.hitchinchamberorchestra.org

Paul Woodin and Nick Evans-Pughe

For more information visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hitchin-chamber-orchestra-summer-concert-2018-tickets-44913005007