Tribute to Paquito D'Rivera

"Danzón" and "Afro" for Clarinet, Cello and Piano
Paquito D'Rivera and Gustave Tavares

"Danzón" (2002) is a whimsical, yearning piece D'Rivera arranged for clarinet, cello and piano, a highly expressive chamber gem. "Afro" (2003), arranged for clarinet, cello and piano by Brazilian composer and cellist Gustave Tavares, is a meditative, plaintive and stirring work of intimate beauty, universal in its immediate sense of longing.

"Tico Tico" for Clarinet, Violin and Piano
Zequinha de Abreu (1880-1935), arr. by Paquito D'Rivera

Orion clarinetist Kathryne Pirtle, violinist Florentina Râmniceanu and guest pianist Bradley Williams offer a virtuosic rendering of the famous "Tico Tico." Composed by Zequinha de Abreu in 1917, this delightful song was inspired by a Portuguese bird, the Rufous-collared Sparrow, which constantly returns to the singer's yard to eat cornmeal. D'Rivera's arrangement for clarinet, violin and piano captures the dynamic humor of this beloved melody.

Pirtle said, "I found this incredible performance of 'Tico Tico' on YouTube, which was an excerpt of a concert paying tribute to Charlie Parker with Strings. Featured guest violinist Andrei Matorin shared the stage with Paquito at the Rose Theatre of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in March 2018. I fell in love with Paquito's amazing solo on this and decided to transcribe and perform it with Florentina and Brad in our concert."

Works by Guest Artist Bradley Williams
Bradley Williams

Chicago-based composer and jazz pianist Bradley Williams has composed a world premiere for violin, clarinet, cello and piano especially for Orion featuring a distinctive infusion of jazz elements into the waltz and tango rhythms.

Williams shared, "To the brand-new 'Par la Mer' I've appended the waltz 'Dionne,' my tribute to the singer Dionne Warwick, which has a little more history. It's an elusive miniature that haunts me and seems to have a will of its own. It's now become part of my repertoire at the Le Piano jazz club. I'm excited to hear it in the rarefied context of Orion."

Also on the program are two additional Williams works: "Herbie Nichols" for solo piano and "Sometimes I'm Happy (Sometimes I'm Blue)" for voice, piano, violin and cello. Joining Williams and the Orion musicians are vocalists Morgan Pirtle (May 19-Aurora and May 26-Evanston) and Amy Jill (May 22-Chicago).

Piano Trio No. 4, "Dumky" (1891)
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)

Orion returns to the world of pure classical mastery with this acclaimed Piano Trio for violin, cello and piano, welcoming Orion pianist Diana Schmück to the stage. The term dumky (or dumka) is a folk ballad, often yearning or melancholic in nature. In Ukrainian literature, dumka means "a thought," and this translates in musical terms to a work that is emotionally varied, often featuring many moods. The six movements in Dvořák's chamber music masterpiece offer many emotional expressions for the thoughtful and attentive listener.

Also on the program: student ensembles

Orion welcomes student musicians from its Janet's Stage program, including two ensembles from Glenbard East High School, a string quartet performing an excerpt from Borodin's String Quartet No. 2 in D Major and a string quintet performing the finale of Dvořák's Sonatina, Op. 100, for the Aurora concert May 19; and the Earl Clements Quintet of the Elgin Youth Symphony performing an excerpt of Klughardt's Wind Quintet, Op. 79, for the Evanston concert May 26.

ORION STORIES

“Of course, one can’t be a jazz musician
and not be familiar with Paquito D'’'Rivera!”

Bradley Williams Joins Orion in May

Jazz pianist and composer Bradley Williams offers a world premiere and performs D’Rivera’s work with Orion on its final concert program of the season.

Read his thoughts below!

About the program:

Kathryne Pirtle, my longtime friend and Orion’s clarinetist/founder, reached out to me for this collaboration via these works. I wasn’t familiar with the charming composed pieces “Afro” and “Danzon” but have grown fond of them. The improvisatory “Tico Tico” is more in line with my identity as a jazz pianist enamored with many types of Latin music. My experience has been geared towards the Brazilian side, so the Cuban slant is refreshing.

The world premiere we are debuting, “Par la Mer/Dionne,” is a happy coincidence in that my six years as a novice social tango dancer have generated this Argentinian-flavored number. Orion has a history with the tango as well. I sent a basic recording of the melody to Orion violinist Florentina Râmniceanu three years ago and now here it is, full-fledged.

To the brand-new “Par la Mer” I've appended the waltz “Dionne,” my tribute to the singer Dionne Warwick, which has a little more history. It's an elusive miniature that haunts me and seems to have a will of its own. It’s now become part of my repertoire at the Le Piano jazz club. I’m excited to hear it in the rarefied context of Orion.

About the relationship:

I've been a fan of Orion for many years and close friends with Florentina and Kathryne, as well as Kathryne’s daughter, Morgan. My wife Amy Jill (also a pianist/vocalist/dancer) and I have attended many of their performances and they've reciprocated. We've talked about collaborating before and it's finally happening. The program not only features my works as a composer but also a spontaneous solo piano jazz piece, “Herbie Nichols,” and my vocal contributions (a duet with Florentina’s violin, “Sometimes I'm Happy.”)

About his other performing activities:

I'm closing in on a year of weekly Saturday night performances as pianist/vocalist/musical director at Le Piano in Rogers Park on Chicago's North Side. It's a wonderful venue featuring classic jazz repertoire, my original compositions and vocals as well. We have a quartet with piano, bass, drums and saxophone and, sometimes, special guests. As a veteran throughout many years of many jazz clubs in Chicago, this is my favorite ever! Feels like Paris.

About the concert program:

I have the deepest respect for the astounding artistry and technical prowess of Orion, and I am honored and excited to write for and perform with them! I'm expecting friends from the jazz and tango communities at these concerts and happy to introduce them the this fantastic chamber group.

We do have a special surprise in store for the audience! I promised not to tell.