CU Boulder jazz ensemble to swing Ellington-Strayhorn 'Nutcracker' Dec. 11 at Dazzle Jazz

Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, which premiered the week before Christmas in 1892, is among the most iconic works of art associated with the holiday.

First recorded in 1960, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's jazz interpretation takes the Russian composer's classic, amps the tempo and makes it swing. 

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That's the plan when the CU Boulder Concert Jazz Ensemble plays the jazzy, perennial favorite on Dec. 11 at Denver's Dazzle Jazz club.

"Without a doubt this is some of the most joyous, swinging, holiday music you'll ever hear," says Associate Professor John Gunther, director of the Thompson Jazz Studies Program at CU-Boulder. "Ellington's genius really shines as you hear Tchaikovsky's familiar themes woven with the classic big band sound and our students have definitely risen to the occasion."  

CU-Boulder Concert Jazz Ensemble plays Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn's "Nutcracker Suite"

When: 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11

Where: Dazzle Jazz, 930 Lincoln St. in Denver

Tickets: $15

More info: 303.839.5100  |  info@dazzlejazz.com  |  RSVP