WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008, AT 8 PM

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2008/09 Jazz Series at Walt Disney Concert Hall continues with legendary jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter, who performs with his quartet and with special guests Imani Winds on Wednesday, December 10, at 8 p.m.

In the summer of 2006, Imani Winds performed the world premiere of Shorter’s Terra Incognita. Shortly thereafter, the Wayne Shorter Quartet made their debut with Imani Winds, a collaboration that proved to be yet another historic project in Shorter’s career, allowing the seminal composer and saxophonist to reach even deeper into his harmonic and melodic palette by fusing the collective leading voice of Imani Winds with the playful virtuosity and improvisational prowess of his ensemble.

The San Diego Union-Tribune says of the performance, “The members of both groups performed as interactive equals, simultaneously assuming leading and supporting roles. Each instrumentalist listened as intently as they played, the better to encourage maximum emotional impact, dynamic precision and the in-the-moment creative aesthetic that is a Shorter trademark.”

This concert marks the last 2008 tour date for the two groups, who have toured together throughout the year in celebration of Wayne Shorter’s 75th birthday.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Jazz Series, under the guidance of Creative Chair for Jazz Christian McBride, offers a four-concert series featuring major artists from the world of jazz. Two additional concerts round out the 2008/09 Jazz Series: A Tribute to Ray Brown featuring Christian McBride as musical director, Brown’s former band mates, and special guests John Clayton, Russell Malone, Benny Green and more on Wednesday, January 28, 2009; pre-eminent jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. McBride’s excellence in both programming and performance have led to the extension of his contract through the 2009/10 season.

WAYNE SHORTER’S continually expanding body of work is inextricably linked to the history of modern music. His music transcends genre while keeping the improvisational genius and surprise of jazz burning at the center. Regarded as one of the most significant and prolific performers and composers in jazz and modern music, Shorter has an outstanding record of professional achievement in his historic career as a musician. He has received substantial recognition from his peers, including 9 Grammy awards to date. Shorter’s childlike imagination and ceaseless innovation in music invite comparison to the enduring vitality of Picasso in the world of art or of Bergman in film. Recently inspired by the younger members of his acclaimed acoustic quartet, he is creating some of the most powerful music of his career.

Since its inception in 1997, IMANI WINDS (Imani means Faith in Swahili), comprised of five unabashedly adventurous yet delightfully accessible musicians, has been carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world for their dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming and inspirational outreach programs, which they have brought to many communities throughout the country. Summer of 2006 saw Imani Winds in the world premiere of Wayne Shorter’s Terra Incognita at the La Jolla Music Society. Imani Winds’ past performance highlights include their New York debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as winners of the Artists International Annual Prize, concerts at the Kennedy Center, Chicago Symphony Musicians Residency Program, Ravinia Festival, Princeton University, Columbia University and Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concerts. In October 2008, Imani Winds released their first ever holiday album, This Christmas with Imani Winds, a toe-tapping collection of thirteen yuletide favorites featuring an all-star rhythm section. This Christmas with Imani Winds is the group’s second recording for KOCH International Classics. Their first, The Classical Underground, was nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music — Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at 8 PM

Walt Disney Concert Hall

111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles



Jazz Series



Wayne Shorter Quartet

Wayne Shorter, saxophones

Danilo Perez, piano

John Patitucci, bass

Brian Blade, drums



Imani Winds

Valerie Coleman, flute

Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe

Mariam Adam, clarinet

Jeff Scott, horn

Monica Ellis, bassoon

Tickets ($36 - $99) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

# # #