For its last concert of 2021, under the direction of Jean-Nicolas Trottier, the Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal is pleased to present percussionist Marie-José Simard in the creation of a three-movement concerto that she commissioned to be written by three renowned jazz composers and arrangers: Christine Jensen, Marianne Trudel and Jean Nicolas Trottier.
In 40 years, Marie-Josée Simard has premiered 13 concertos for marimba and vibraphone with renowned symphony and string orchestras. In 2019, the idea came to her to create a 14th concerto with the Orchestre national de jazz by calling upon these Quebec composers, experienced in writing for both large jazz and symphonic ensembles.
The first movement: Delta Variations by Christine Jensen, will set the tone and sound the starting signal for the work.
The second movement: De résonances et d'échos by Marianne Trudel, will continue with bewitching sounds of vibraphone and crotales played with a bow.
The third movement: Spirales by Jean-Nicolas Trottier, completes the concerto by leading the listener through a subtle rhythmic pattern that allows the soloist to shine.
Works by Mike Mainieri and Frank Zappa will complete this colorful program.