Classical concerts featuring

James Brandon Lewis

Art Ensemble of Chicago

The Art Ensemble of Chicago enjoys legendary status: founded in 1967 in the city that gave it its name, the band moved to Paris shortly afterwards. From there, it launched its global career with »Great Black Music« – a unique type of avant-garde jazz that incorporates African, but also Asian and Latin American traditions. In its sixth decade of existence, two old masters of the first generation are still with the band: saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell and drummer Famoudou Don Moye. With fantastic younger musicians added to the line-up, the collective creates its usually unusual homage to its founding members, staying true to its roots and yet always with its finger on the pulse. »From Ancient to the Future« was the band’s motto right from the start and it speaks volumes about their musical positioning – not only in contemporary jazz, but when it comes to old musical traditions and new music as well. The album »The Sixth Decade – from Paris to Paris« was recorded in 2020 at the Parisian festival »Sons d’Hiver«, thus also paying homage to the place where it all began. The Guardian writes about the interplay between the old and new guard: » It’s heartwarming to hear the Art Ensemble of Chicago’s devoted heirs so ready to carry the story on.«