The Symphonic Music of Wayne Shorter

Programme

Celebrate the enduring legacy of jazz icon Wayne Shorter, with an extraordinary line-up of his long-time collaborators.

The career of saxophonist, bandleader and composer Wayne Shorter spanned seven decades. He performed with Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell and Carlos Santana, co-founded the jazz fusion band Weather Report, formed his own quartet in 2000, recorded over 20 albums, and won 12 Grammys. His 2021 opera Iphigenia has never been heard outside the US.

The title of ‘the 21^st century’s jazz genius’ (NPR), however, goes to bassist, singer, songwriter and teacher esperanza spalding. She collaborated with Shorter on both Iphigenia and Gaia, a 2013 commission from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Named for the Greek goddess of the Earth, Gaia is a song cycle richly laden with environmental imagery. Shorter’s writing evokes elemental forces, while spalding’s radiant vocals soar between earth and sky.

Between these two landmark works, the Philharmonia Orchestra performs a selection from Wayne Shorter’s unrivalled songbook.

This concert is a highlight of the Philharmonia’s series Let Freedom Ring: Celebrating the Sounds of America, and the EFG London Jazz Festival.

Part of Let Freedom Ring