“A typically graceful blend of swing grooves that ticked over like an immense and perfectly balanced engine, ensemble parts played with languid rigor, and concise improv that both embellishes compositions and cherishes their shapes.”—The Guardian

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is comprised of 15 of the finest jazz musicians in America. This remarkably versatile band performs in venues around the world and with an ever-expanding roster of guest artists and symphony orchestras. Led by Music Director Wynton Marsalis, the ensemble maintains a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to new commissions.

Duke in Africa

Duke Ellington found deep inspiration in Africa, travelling with his orchestra to Dakar, Senegal, in 1966 to perform at the first World Festival of Negro Arts. This trip led him to compose several of his most iconic works including Afro-Bossa, Liberian Suite, and the Grammy Award-winning Togo Brava Suite. Co-music-directed by JLCO saxophonists Chris Lewis and Alexa Tarantino, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis celebrates these compositions and the spirit of Duke’s historic trip, nearly 60 years later.