"National Arts Endowment Grants Support 'Progressions in Roots' Academic Endeavor"
The music world is set to witness a unique collaboration next Fall, as the project "Root Progressions" brings together renowned figures from the jazz and contemporary classical worlds. The initiative, led by pianist Gloria Cheng, flutist and composer James Newton, and bandleader Arturo O'Farrill, will engage students from the music department, global jazz studies, and the Hancock Institute.
The project aims to explore the intersections of jazz improvisation and compositional techniques from contemporary classical music, creating innovative works that reflect both traditions equally. Cross-genre collaboration is at the heart of the project, with musicians contributing their unique backgrounds to foster a dialogue between jazz rhythms and classical forms.
Prominent artists James Newton and Arturo O'Farrill will contribute pieces to the project, which will also commission six new works for piano that deliberately engage both jazz and classical music. The National Endowment for the Arts' Grants for Arts Projects program has provided funding for the project, elevating the role of artists in securing a healthy and vibrant society.
Gloria Cheng, one of the project leaders, stated that it's time to integrate and unite diverse musicians and their audiences as classical music confronts its historical biases and new music is increasingly unbounded by genres. Arturo O'Farrill, a professor in the department of music and global jazz studies, shares this sentiment, emphasising the importance of bridging the gap between jazz and contemporary classical music.
Additional support for the project comes from the Hugo and Christine Davise Fund for Contemporary Music and the Chancellor's Arts Initiative. The new works from the project will be premiered at the Angel City Jazz Festival in October 2023.
For the most current updates, it's recommended to monitor official websites and social media channels of Gloria Cheng, James Newton, Arturo O'Farrill, as well as announcements from concert halls or festivals known for presenting jazz and contemporary classical music. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in this groundbreaking collaboration!
This groundbreaking collaboration, "Root Progressions," funded by the National Endowment for the Arts' Grants for Arts Projects program, merges jazz and contemporary classical music, fostering a unique dialogue between these genres. Aimed at education-and-self-development and entertainment, it will engage students and musicians in the creation of innovative works, premiering at the Angel City Jazz Festival in October 2023.
