A unique interpretation of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" performed at the Grand Rapids Symphony's upcoming concert will include a jazz arrangement composed by Kurt Ellenberger and performed by his trio.
Ellenberger, head the jazz program at Grand Valley State University, was commissioned by the symphony to arrange the jazz score. Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the concerts. A performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet, directed by Gordon Peirce Schmidt, is also included in this artistic collaboration, February 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall. A pre-concert conversation begins at 7 p.m.
Though jazz performances of classical music are rare, they are not unprecedented. Two of the best known are Duke Ellington's version of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" and Stan Kenton's interpretation of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries." Ellenberger has arranged similar works, including a version of Hindemith's "Nobilissima Visione" for jazz trio.
"Of course, it is impossible to take string music and play it literally on the piano," said Ellenberger, "but, Vivaldi's score is so full of interesting and colorful commentary that helps to explain his musical intent. My job was to carry this intent over into a new format while remaining true to both. Vivaldi certainly gave me lots of material to work withhis marvelous sense of melody, harmony, and rhythm are very conducive to a modern improvisatory ensemble."
Trained as a classical composer and jazz pianist, Ellenberger came to Grand Valley in 1999 to teach music theory and composition. Over time his position has evolved to incorporate his diverse talents. Today he splits his time between the jazz program and his role as assistant director of grants for GVSU's Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center. In the latter role he often gives workshops on grant writing, but also does a class on "Teaching as Performance."
Ellenberger has spent much of the past year working on the score for the jazz trio. He plays piano, joined by GVSU faculty Tim Froncek on drums and bassist Rob Hartman, a former GVSU faculty member.
The first concerto, "Spring," will be performed in pure Vivaldi style featuring the symphony's violinist Eric Tanner, also an artist-faculty at Grand Valley. "Summer" brings the jazz trio into the spotlight, playing without the orchestra. Tanner returns with the violin for "Fall," joined by the full orchestra for the fourth and final concerto, "Winter."
"This makes for a progressive "build" as the program emerges and avoids a less desirable "back and forth" movement," said Ellenberger. "The work also reflects jazz's more recent sound and is very melodic."
Tickets range from $11 to $58 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 616/456-3333, online at ticketmaster.com or in person at the Symphony office, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100. Student Passport members can purchase a $5 ticket and senior citizens 62+ are half-price at the door. For more information see www.grsymphony.org.
