Giorgos Kontrafouris, a top jazz player with international recognition, and his Trio present a special concert at the Athens Concert Hall, on Wednesday November 13, at 20:30, in which jazz meets symphonic music. Occasion, a double anniversary-tribute to iconic American composers Duke Ellington and George Gershwin.

In the first part of the concert, the Trio appears solo performing Ellington’s masterful compositions. Then, together with the ERT National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Michalis Oikonomou, they present the first pan-Hellenic performance of “New World A-Comin'” for jazz piano trio and symphony orchestra. In this work, the legendary “Duke”, expanding the horizons of traditional jazz, narrates the daily toil of African-Americans in 1920’s Harlem and their hope for a better tomorrow. Fifty years after his death, his music continues to excite with its pulse and melodic imagination.

At the heart of the second part of the concert is George Gershwin’s “Blue Rhapsody” in a fresh, exciting reading by George Kontrafouris and his Trio. Gershwin wrote the play over the course of three weeks. It premiered with him at the piano on February 12, 1924 in New York to rave reviews. Ferd Groffe later transcribed the rhapsody for symphony orchestra, and this is the version we know today, with the introductory clarinet glissandi as recognizable as the four notes from the destiny motif in Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

Also taking part in this year’s Jazz@Megaron are: Nikos Chatzitsakos Quintet (14.11), YFG‒Yiorgos Fakanas Group (16.11) and Monty Alexander (20.11). All events are sponsored by MOTOR OIL.

Watch the concert trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_XrmVyYKfQ

And the trailer for all Jazz@Megaron concerts here: https://youtu.be/JVSlx3Ss6Oc

Ticket prices: from 7.50 to 35 euros.