Bourgie Hall presents

Two Jazz Pianos

Having played in New York with several greats of the international jazz scene, these two leading figures of jazz will improvise and revisit standards with a touch of Afro-Cuban flair. A session of musical creativity like no other!

Stephanie Urquhart, piano jazz student at Schulich School of Music of McGill University, will give a 15-minute performance at the beginning of the concert.

Artists
Rafael Zaldivar, piano

Cuban pianist, composer, artistic director, and educator: Dr. Rafael Zaldivar’s exceptional contributions to jazz have been acclaimed by the JazzTime and Downbeat jazz magazines. Born in Camagüey, Cuba, Zaldivar obtained a B.A. from Montreal University and a M.A. plus a D.Mus. from McGill University. The pianist has worked with jazz icons such as Barry Harris, Kenny Barron, and Herbie Hancock and he has performed with jazz luminaries as Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Roy Hargrove, Terri Lyne Carrington, Francisco Mela, Nate Smith, Ari Hoenig, and Dan Weiss. The bandleader has participated in many international jazz festivals, including the Jazz Festival, Rochester (New York); the Jazz Festival of Queretaro (Mexico); and the Festival Jazz North Sea (Holland). The composer has received distinguished Canadian Awards as Opus, Grand Prix Musical Archambault, and CBC prizes. His sophomore album, Drawing, was nominated for ADISQ and JUNO Awards as “Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year” featuring saxophonist Greg Osby as special guest.

Jean-Michel Pilc, piano

Born in 1960 in Paris, France, now also an American and Canadian citizen, self-taught pianist and composer Jean-Michel Pilc has performed with numerous jazz giants: Roy Haynes, Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman, Jean Toussaint, Rick Margitza, Michel Portal, Daniel Humair, Marcus Miller, Kenny Garrett, Lenny White, Chris Potter, John Abercrombie, Mingus Dynasty & Big Band, Lew Soloff, Richard Bona etc. He has also worked with Harry Belafonte, as his musical director and pianist, and has performed a duet with the legendary opera singer Jessye Norman.

In September 2015, Jean-Michel joined the Jazz Faculty at The Schulich School of Music of McGill University in Montreal. Now a tenured Full Professor, he teaches jazz, piano, and improvisation (all instruments), as well as a Seminar on improvisation in all styles to a large group of McGill jazz and classical students. He has acted as Jazz Area Chair between 2016 and 2018.

Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:00pm
To purchase your tickets visit: www.mbam.qc.ca/en/bourgie-hall/