Herbie Hancock Renews LA Phil Contract

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES GRAMMY-WINNER HERBIE HANCOCK TO CONTINUE AS THE CAROLYN AND BILL POWERS CREATIVE CHAIR FOR JAZZ THROUGH THE 2013/14 SEASON

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today a one-year extension to Herbie Hancock’s contract as the Carolyn and Bill Powers Creative Chair for Jazz through the Hollywood Bowl 2013 and 2013/14 winter season. Hancock’s tenure began in the summer of 2010 and under his guidance the Los Angeles Philharmonic has offered jazz programming from around the world with artists such as Wayne Shorter, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Quincy Jones, Hugh Masekela and more. The upcoming seasons present a diverse blend of newer jazz stars such as Esperanza Spalding and Trombone Shorty with veterans of the genre like Bobby McFerrin, the Count Basie Orchestra and Hancock himself.

 “Working with the Los Angeles Philharmonic has been filled with wonderful experiences, from great performances at the Hollywood Bowl to playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall with Gustavo and this phenomenal orchestra,” says Hancock. “The organization’s approach to live music encompasses the best the industry has to offer and I look forward to spending more time sharing in their jazz programming.”

“Herbie Hancock’s ongoing relationship with the LA Phil underscores the commitment of the institution to the jazz genre. His global musical vision and dedication to bringing jazz to the forefront inspires and shapes our series. We are fortunate to have such an exceptional artist who is also an integral part of the LA Phil family,” Deborah Borda, President and CEO, added.

The Creative Chair for Jazz works directly with the programming department of the Los Angeles Philharmonic crafting the jazz series and related education initiatives presented annually by the LA Phil. The position was first held by Dianne Reeves in 2002 until she was succeeded by Christian McBride in 2006. Herbie Hancock is the third incumbent and was originally announced in the position in March 2009 and began his tenure with the Hollywood Bowl 2010 season.

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