NEW PHILADELPHIA JAZZ ENSEMBLE (JAZZ ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA) DEDICATED TO PRESERVE AND CONTINUE
CITY'S SIGNATURE SOUND AND TRADITION
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Terell Stafford
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Philadelphia, PA - April 30th @ 12:00PM
Terell Stafford, Artistic Director, and Deena Adler, Founding Director, announce the formation and premier performance of the long-awaited Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia(JOP). World renowned trumpet player and Director of Jazz Studies, at Temple University, Terell Stafford, has organized an orchestra of 17 stellar, homegrown musical artists. "I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to present Philadelphia Jazz in it's rich tradition at it's finest," says Stafford. "I see its potential as parallel to the music itself, energy in motion, expanding to larger and larger audiences while bringing people together."
JOP is dedicated to presenting the highest quality jazz to the greatest number of people designed to preserve, represent and continue Philadelphia's unique, rich jazz sound and tradition. JOP aims to become the face of Philadelphia jazz, establishing the city as a nationally and internationally recognized destination for jazz performance. The city of Philadelphia will officially introduce JOP on April 30th at 12:00PM, 2013 for International Jazz Day at a free introductory performance in City Hall Courtyard. Several local performances will follow, culminating in early 2014 at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
In addition to embodying Philadelphia's vital jazz legacy with energetic jazz performances, both locally and outside of their home city, the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia will provide an essential educational component as part of its mission. As Director of Jazz Studies in the Boyer School of Music, Terell Stafford will offer a synergy with Temple University that intends to branch out to younger Philadelphia students. "JOP believes it is essential to reach future generations with knowledge of the rich history of Philadelphia jazz as well as the opportunity to develop the musical discipline needed to participate in its continuance," states Founding Director Deena Adler.
Terell Stafford is dedicated to honoring JOP's core mission, the unique Philadelphia jazz sound that emanates from the hard bop era including jazz luminaries: John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy and Percy Heath, Benny Golson, Jimmy Garrison, Philly Joe Jones, Archie Shepp, Clifford Brown, Hasaan Ibn Ali, Shirley Scott, McCoy Tyner, Bill and Kenny Barron, Marshall Allen, Odean Pope and other native Philadelphians.JOP will celebrate this homegrown inheritance by integrating the orchestra into the cultural landscape, becoming a musical experience that equates with a visit to Philadelphia. A locus for Philadelphia Jazz with its history, uniqueness and superb musicians will be the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia!
