Los Angeles, CA (May 9, 2017) - The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association announced today a one-year extension of Herbie Hancock's contract as the William Powers and Carolyn Powers Creative Chair for Jazz through the Hollywood Bowl 2018 season and the 2018/19 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Hancock's tenure began in the summer of 2010; under his guidance the Los Angeles Philharmonic has offered jazz programming from around the world with artists such as Christian McBride, Wayne Shorter, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Miller, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, Quincy Jones, Esperanza Spalding, Bobby McFerrin and more. The upcoming seasons present a diverse blend of new jazz stars and beloved greats such as Jill Scott, Kamasi Washington, Trombone Shorty, John Beasley Presents MONK'estra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra & Chick Corea, and Hancock himself.

"I'm thrilled to continue collaborating with the LA Phil on jazz programming at the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall," says Hancock. "The organization's vision of what makes a great live music performance truly aligns with my own, and I look forward to extending this partnership and continuing to present today's best jazz artists."

"Herbie Hancock's ongoing legacy as a visionary in the world of jazz continues to inspire the LA Phil's jazz series each season," says Gail Samuel, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the LA Phil. "We're so privileged to have had his partnership over the last eight years and counting."

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; she was succeeded by Christian McBride in 2006. Herbie Hancock, the third incumbent, was originally announced in the position in March 2009 and began his tenure with the Hollywood Bowl 2010 season.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Music Director & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music from all genres - orchestral, chamber and Baroque music, organ and celebrity recitals, new music, jazz, world music and pop - at two of L.A.'s iconic venues, Walt Disney Concert Hall (www.laphil.com)and the Hollywood Bowl (www.HollywoodBowl.com). The LA Phil's season extends from September through June at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and throughout the summer at the Hollywood Bowl. With the preeminent Los Angeles Philharmonic at the foundation of its offerings, the LA Phil aims to enrich and transform lives through music, with a robust mix of artistic, education and community programs.

###