Jazz maestro coming to Elder Hall

Ray Vega in Elder Hall last year. Photo by Chris Hancock
Full Image (117.75K)

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

Fans of Miles Davis will be able to relive some of his major works at the University of Adelaide's Elder Hall in August, thanks to the talents of New York jazz maestro Ray Vega.

On his second visit to Adelaide in as many years, Vega will perform tracks from two of Davis's seminal jazz albums - Kind Of Blue and Porgy And Bess - as well as providing a masterclass to University of Adelaide jazz students.

Joined by staff from the Elder Conservatorium of Music's Jazz School, Vega's 50th anniversary performance of Kind Of Blue will be held in Elder Hall on Friday 7 August as part of the Lunchtimes at Elder Hall concert series.

The following week (Wednesday 12 August) he will present a workshop to students as part of the Conservatorium's Masterclass series, which is open to the public for the cost of $10.

On Saturday 15 August in the Evenings at Elder Hall concert series, Ray Vega will perform part of Davis's historic work Porgy And Bess, based on George Gershwin's opera and featuring the Elder Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra.

"Ray is an incredibly well-rounded musician and trumpet player," says Dusty Cox, Jazz Saxophone Lecturer at the Elder Conservatorium and Yamaha Performing Artist. "He is experienced in many styles of music, which is why we are so pleased to have him here in Adelaide at the Elder Conservatorium with us.

Dusty said many music students in Adelaide would have the chance to learn from Vega during his two-week residency.

"Ray will conduct several workshops for all brass players, including classical and jazz brass students, and for area high school big bands. He will give lectures in jazz history and Latin music, and coach our ensembles, from small jazz ensembles to classical brass ensembles and more," he said.

Ray Vega's extended residency has been made possible by the Helpmann Academy.

Lunchtimes at Elder Hall - Kind Of Blue with Ray Vega at 1.10pm on Friday 7 August: tickets $7, available at the door from 12.30pm on the day of concert.

Masterclass with Ray Vega at 1.00pm-3.00pm Wednesday 12 August, tickets $10.

Evenings at Elder Hall - Porgy And Bess with Ray Vega at 6.30pm Saturday 15 August: tickets $25 adults, $20 concession, $15 student. For a special Family Ticket deal, contact the Concert Manager, Elder Hall.

For more details, phone Concert Manager on (08) 8303 5925 or email: claire.oremland@adelaide.edu.au or see
www.elderhall.adelaide.edu.au

Contact Details