The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, in association with The American Tap Dance Foundation, will honor one of America’s greatest musical innovators with “Such Sweet Thunder,” a vibrant celebration of Duke Ellington’s life, legacy, and love of jazz. The performance takes place Friday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Symphony Space’s Peter Jay Sharp Theatre (2537 Broadway at 95th Street).
Under the musical direction of Eli Yamin, The Duke Ellington Center Big Band—a 15-piece powerhouse ensemble—will set the stage for an unforgettable evening that blends live jazz, tap, and dance in true Ellington style. The show will feature an extraordinary lineup of performers, including Mark Mindek, AC Lincoln, Karen Callaway Williams, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Antoinette Montague, Max Pollak, Valerie Levine, Miles Purinton, Karyn Tomczak & the Precision Dancers, and the Big Apple Ballroom Studio Dancers. Together, they’ll bring Ellington’s rhythm, elegance, and swing to life through dazzling performances.
At the heart of the evening is a rare full performance of “Such Sweet Thunder,” Ellington’s twelve-part jazz suite inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. Written in just three weeks with his longtime collaborator Billy Strayhorn, the suite reimagines the Bard’s characters and themes through bold harmonies and lively improvisation. Each movement captures the spirit of Shakespeare’s timeless drama—infused with the unmistakable energy of Ellington’s sound.
Directed by Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington’s granddaughter and President of The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, alongside Tony Waag, Founding Director of The American Tap Dance Foundation, this one-night-only performance celebrates the deep connection between jazz, dance, and storytelling. The evening also carries a note of holiday warmth—an invitation to gather and celebrate Ellington’s enduring influence on American culture and art.
Event Details
Duke Ellington’s “Such Sweet Thunder”
Symphony Space – Peter Jay Sharp Theatre
2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025
Friday, December 12, 7:00 PM
Tickets
- VIP: $150
- Advance: $45
- Members/Seniors/Children/Students: $25
For tickets and more information, visit SymphonySpace.org.
From Shakespeare to swing, this joyous night promises to be a feast for the senses—an elegant tribute to Duke Ellington’s genius, creativity, and timeless music that continues to inspire generations.
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