NORFOLK, Va. - Early in his career, Jazz legend Duke Ellington would give frequent performances Norfolk's historic Attucks Theatre. Saturday, a concert at the venue will honor the composer's 125th birthday.
Ellington 125 is being produced by the Virginia Arts Festival, bringing in Jazz at Lincoln Center's President of Education Todd Stoll.
“We’re kind of showing the breadth and the depth of Duke Ellington as a composer from the late 20s all the way to the into the early 70s," Stoll, a trumpet player, told News 3 during a rehearsal on Friday.
For the performance, Stoll put together renowned musicians from Hampton Roads and other parts of the country.
Known by many as one of the greatest composers in American history, Ellington had a hand in creating more than 1,000 pieces over his 50-plus year career.
“His first appearance at the Attucks Theatre was in 1938," said Stoll. "(He) referred to it as the Apollo of the South.”
Now, this ensemble will honor the legendary musician, playing the same music he and his orchestra played on the Attucks stage so long ago.
Ellington 125 begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. Click HERE for ticket information.
