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  • LAPA
  • THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC ASSOCIATION NAMES CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE CREATIVE CHAIR FOR JAZZ
  • Sep. 1, 2005
  • Grammy-Award Winning Jazz Bassist Succeeds Legendary Vocalist Dianne Reeves as Second to Hold Post

    Los Angeles (August 31, 2005)-The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is pleased to announce that Grammy Award winning jazz bassist Christian McBride will succeed legendary jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves as the second Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

    "I intend to continue the tradition that was started with Dianne Reeves of presenting great musicians in two of the world's most iconic venues-Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl," says McBride. "Being fortunate enough to work with numerous artists across many genres, this will be an opportunity to bring to fruition many ideas I've had for a very long time, and I'm humbled that the LA Phil considers me worthy of the job."

    "It is quite a coup to have such a highly-regarded jazz musician of the caliber of Christian McBride to follow Dianne Reeves as our next Creative Chair for Jazz," says Deborah Borda, President of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. "We are thrilled to welcome him to our organization."

    One of the most acclaimed acoustic and electric bassists to emerge from the jazz world in the past decade, McBride will oversee jazz programming at both venues during his two-year tenure, starting with the Hollywood Bowl's 2006 season. He will work with the organization year-round, building on the Philharmonic's presence in the musical community as a leading presenter of jazz.

    "Like Dianne," says Arvind Manocha, General Manager, Hollywood Bowl and Presentations. "Christian embodies the essence of jazz. With him at the helm, we will be exploring new ways to make jazz touch the heart of our community."

    Reeves, awarded the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for each of her last three recordings (a Grammy first in any vocal category), completes her third season as Creative Chair for Jazz with the Walt Disney Concert Hall's 2005/2006 season: Pat Metheny Trio and Quartet on September 24; Django Reinhardt Festival on November 16; Music from My Fair Lady on December 4; Wayne Shorter with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on January 28, 2006; Maria Schneider Orchestra on February 8; and Wynton Marsalis on October 30.

    "My appointment as the first Creative Chair for Jazz was the highlight of my career," says Reeves. "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to express my commitment to jazz, and to those who love listening to jazz-in all of its forms-on a level that would otherwise have been impossible. I'm so delighted that the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association has chosen the great Christian McBride to continue this journey."

    The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music-Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts, and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

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  • Contact:

    Adam Crane, 213.972.3422