Art of Élan Presents “Highways & Byways” With Jazz Legend Branford Marsalis

Art of Élan‘s Season 11, named Musical Pathways, is producing a one-night only special presentation of “Highways & Byways” featuring a lineup including a world premiere by the acclaimed young Chicago composer Dan Visconti, the Chicago-based Kontras Quartet, and legendary jazz artist Branford Marsalis at The Music Box in Little Italy.

The program features the world premiere of a quintet by Dan Visconti for saxophone and string quartet called “Beg, Borrow or Steal,” co-commissioned by Art of Élan and the Kontras Quartet specifically for this special event.

“The entire evening is built around the idea of musical pathways and the surprising places they can take both the listener and performer,” explained Art of Élan founder Kate Hatmaker. “Not many people know about Branford’s love of classical music and we are thrilled to be able to share that part of his unique musicianship and talent.”

Special guest Branford Marsalis will perform this and one other work with the Kontras Quartet.

The music mix will continue throughout the evening with performances by members of Art of Élan, Kontras Quartet and guest Marsalis.

This special collaborative concert includes pieces that are rooted in various folk traditions, tying together the old and new, the familiar and less-traveled, the classical and jazz/blues traditions.

If you haven’t caught one of Art of Élan‘s powerful music collaborations yet, it’s time to go!

See you there!