Duke Ellington Nutcracker Suite

The Marcus Shelby Orchestra will perform the magical “Harlem Nutcracker Suite” by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, which is a masterpiece musical re-arrangement and orchestration of the well-known “Nutcracker” by classical composer Peter Tchaikovsky. Marcus Shelby and his orchestra performed the “Harlem Nutcracker Suite” the last two years in Healdsburg and for the past decade at SFJAZZ. The music is wonderful and exciting for audiences of all ages, who will recognize many of the enduring themes from the original “Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, using the blues and swing as the vehicle for the music. There are nine sections that explore the range and tonal diversity of the big band orchestra. Although specifically written for the holiday season, the music has the energy, power, and joyfulness that could allow the suite to be played anytime of the year.
The second half of this special holiday concert features celebrated Bay Area vocalist Tiffany Austin with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, performing a program of Christmas songs, spirituals, and various traditional songs re-arranged from around the world. This portion of the concert includes poetry, a slide show, and other holiday surprises.