Brian Byrne will conduct the RTÉ Concert Orchestra for its concert with Kurt Elling on Tuesday 21 May at the National Concert Hall.
Jazz superstar Kurt Elling, hailed as ’the standout male vocalist of our time’ by The New York Times, will be making his first Irish appearance with orchestra when he joins the RTÉ CO as part of its Signature Series 2013. LA-based Brian Byrne, the RTÉ CO’s Artist in Residence, is one of Ireland’s greatest musical ambassadors, winning multiple awards and plaudits as a composer, conductor, songwriter, arranger and pianist. The partnership with Elling is especially apt, given Byrne’s own jazz pedigree as pianist, arranger and musical director.
Brian Byrne says: ‘I’m thrilled at the prospect of working with Kurt Elling. It’s not often in your career that you get to work with a jazz artist on the cutting edge and at the absolute top of his craft. He’s the modern Miles and Coltrane of the voice with a direct lineage from Tony Bennett and Sinatra. The torch has been passed. I can’t wait to collaborate with him!’
Concert details below.
RTÉ Concert Orchestra with Kurt Elling
Brian Byrne conductor
Kurt Elling’s first Irish appearance with orchestra
As part of the RTÉ CO Signature Series 2013
Tuesday 21 May, 8pm
National Concert Hall
“Elling is the standout male vocalist of our time.” – The New York Times
“Since the mid-1990s, no singer in jazz has been as daring, dynamic or interesting as Kurt Elling. With his soaring vocal flights, his edgy lyrics and sense of being on a musical mission, he has come to embody the creative spirit in jazz.” – The Washington Post
Making his first appearance in Ireland with orchestra, the RTÉ CO is proud to present….
– 2010 ‘Best Jazz Vocal Album’ Grammy winner
– eight times ‘Male Singer of the Year’ (Jazz Journalists Association)
– thirteen times winner of the DownBeat Critics poll.
Kurt Elling’s signature innovation, unexpected rhythms and jazz sensibility place him firmly among the greats. Don’t miss this rare chance to see the most innovative jazz improviser, re-inventor, baritone, scat singer and poet of our time, and the first chance to hear him with orchestra live in Ireland.
Tickets: €20–€45 (conc. €18–€40.50)
Booking: www.rte.ie/co or www.nch.ie or 01 417 0000 (no booking fee)