Duke Ellington’s landmark symphonic jazz composition, Black, Brown and Beige is perhaps the most significant work in the jazz repertory. Composed as a musical parallel to the history of the Negro in America, it tells the history of African Americans through slavery, emancipation, civil war, and their ascendancy in Harlem. This seminal jazz symphony was only ever performed in its entirety by Ellington’s orchestra a handful of times in 1943. In the many decades since, it has rarely been heard live.

Now for the first time in Canada, the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra, with a 16-piece ensemble, will perform the entire work, as well as other significant compositions Ellington wrote to portray black life. 

While this special presentation will take place as part of Black History Month, this incredible music remains vitally relevant in light of present-day racial equality. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in this special programme.