On Feb. 4, the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Jan Wagner, wowed the audience during their world premiere performance of the newly revised, complete “Blues Symphony” by legendary jazz trumpeter, music educator and Grammy Award-winning musician Wynton Marsalis.
The performance, held at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, was a result of a months-long residency in which Marsalis worked with the students to bring life and “swing” to the piece.
The group also received a glowing review from Marsalis himself. “The Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra played my music with such passion and zeal last night, I can’t sleep,” said Marsalis. “Music is always so much deeper than notes. And a group of musicians dealing with the pressure of performance showcases a confluence of aspirations put to the test of execution. … Well, tonight, our young people over delivered.”
View a slideshow of the event below.