November 14, 2009  View Gallery

This evening marked the premiere performance of the new Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) Chamber Ensemble, comprised of 14 musicians. Repertoire included works that demonstrated how the jazz and classical genres can indeed fuse, creating a new aesthetic; works by Bill Russo, David Baker, Gunther Schuller, Daniel Schnieder and of course Orbert Davis.

During a post-concert discussion from the stage, hosted by jazz journalist and Grammy nominee Neil Tesser, artistic director Orbert Davis, along with members of the ensemble, talked about the intersections of jazz and classical; chamber group versus orchestra; and why CJP is “the only orchestra of its kind in the entire United States.” (Gunther Schuller)