Chopin Meets Jazz: Three Brians in Concert at the KF Washington, DC

The concert brings together acclaimed concert pianist Brian Ganz and the B&B Jazz Duo: Brian Aylaian, bass, and Brian Smith, piano.
About this Event

Join us for an extraordinary evening where the timeless music of Fryderyk Chopin meets the creative spirit of jazz.

Saturday, September 19, 2026
Kosciuszko Foundation, Washington, DC Center
2025 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

A Concert of Brians’: Chopin and Jazz brings together acclaimed concert pianist Brian Ganz and the B & B Jazz Duo, featuring Brian Aylaian, bass, and Brian Smith, piano. The evening celebrates Chopin’s enduring influence while exploring how his melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and expressive spirit can inspire new musical voices through jazz improvisation and composition. READ MORE HERE

A special highlight will be two original compositions by Brian Smith, inspired by Chopin’s music, performed alongside the original Chopin works by Brian Ganz:

• Chopin’s Mazurka in G Minor, Op. 67, No. 2
• Variations and Improvisations on Chopin’s Mazurka in G Minor, Op. 67, No. 2
• Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 2
• Variations and Improvisations on Chopin’s Prelude in C Minor, Op. 28, No. 2

The program will also feature original jazz compositions by Brian Smith, including:

Quiet Are the Nights
Same Place, Different Time
Peace By Piece
Blue and Orange
You Are My Springtime
Holly
Synergy

The evening will be rounded out with a selection of jazz standards, creating a lively musical dialogue between the classical tradition of Chopin and the spontaneity and creativity of jazz.

Following the concert, guests are invited to enjoy a wine and light reception and continue the evening in the company of the performers and fellow music lovers.

Come experience Chopin in a new light—and discover what happens when three Brians bring classical music and jazz together on one stage.