Orchestre classique de Montréal presents

JAZZ & JEANS

Put on your most comfortable jeans and listen to some exciting jazz performances of our Montreal star, trumpeter Paul Merkelo (principal trumpet of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra) and the renowned jazz pianist, Matt Herskowitz.

This concert will delight Montreal jazz fans with its rich programming of renowned jazz composers such as Davis, Ellington, Gershwin, and James.

Before the concert, immerse yourself in the atmosphere with a captivating jazz duo! From 6:30pm to 7:15pm in the foyer of Salle Pierre-Mercure, saxophonist Bogdan Gumenyuk and double bassist Levi Dover will perform jazz classics to set the mood for the evening.

Artists
Paul Merkelo, trumpet

Paul Merkelo is a JUNO-nominated recording artist with six solo recordings, including releases for the SONY and NAXOS labels. Merkelo is featured in a visionary project entitled Gershwin’s World on MediciTV, which combines groundbreaking jazz and classical arrangements.

Renowned as one of the finest trumpet players of his generation, Paul Merkelo is recognized for his ”lyrical gifts” (Gramophone).

He has been the solo trumpeter with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) since 1995 and is the first soloist chosen to record a feature album with the orchestra. He has also served as a guest principal trumpeter with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Merkelo was appointed Canadian Musical Ambassador to China for the inauguration of Montreal Park in Shanghai and performed as a soloist with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in a national telecast. Merkelo made his New York debut at Lincoln Center with the New World Symphony Orchestra and Michael Tilson Thomas in 1998. He has collaborated with conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Charles Dutoit, Lorin Maazel, Sir Georg Solti, Zubin Mehta, and Valery Gergiev.

Matt Herskowitz, piano

Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz, world music and free improvisation, pianist, composer and arranger Matt Herskowitz has carved out a unique and personal voice in music. Over the course of the last decade, Matt has produced a series of critically-acclaimed recordings, premiered his works in settings from New York’s Central Park to Germany’s Köln Philharmonie, collaborated with top classical, jazz and pop artists, and has performed at music festivals across the globe.

Adam Johnson, conductor

Thrilling audiences at the top levels of the Canadian music scene, award-winning Canadian conductor Adam Johnson has been praised as “an exciting talent” and for his “charismatic, commanding presence” on the podium. A highly-sought leader, he completed his training in his role as Assistant Conductor of the Montréal Symphony Orchestra from 2016-2018, and was appointed Resident Conductor for the 2018-2019 season. He collaborated closely with Music Director Kent Nagano on recordings for Decca and Analekta, and contributed to performances in Carnegie Hall, the Salzburg Festival, and a major European tour. He has conducted more than 65 concerts with the OSM and is frequently reengaged as a guest conductor.

Repertoire
Davis, M. Solea: Sketches of Spain
James, H. Concerto for trumpet
Ellington, D. Echoes of Harlem & Hommage à Louis Armstrong
Morris, C. Brazilian Spice
Gershwin, G. Rhapsody in Blue, Lullaby & Summertime

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – 7:30pm (Pre-concert: 6:30pm)
Pierre-Mercure Hall

To purchase your tickets, visit: https://en.orchestre.ca