Houston Symphony will pay homage to Louis Armstrong, who, to this day, remains one of the most eminent and influential musicians following his death more than 40 years ago and is arguably the Greatest Jazz Musician that Ever Was.
Tribute to the talented New Orleans musician with the unique vocals will be recognized through Houston Symphony performances of timeless Louis Armstrong masterpieces in a concert at Jones Hall Jan. 18, 19, and 20.
Classics such as “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Bourbon Street Parade” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” along with many others, will be performed for the concert, What a Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong, featuring renowned singer and trumpeter Byron Stripling, and conducted by Michael Krajewski.
Byron Stripling, prominent in the modern American jazz scene, has had his voice and trumpet heard by many, on various television commercials, movie soundtracks, and TV theme songs, including 20/20 and CNN. He portrayed Louis Armstrong in the Broadway musical, Satchmo, based on Armstrong’s life and music. Stripling has soloed with the Boston Pops, National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Vancouver Symphony and Toronto Symphony. He has been a featured soloist at the Hollywood Bowl and performs at jazz festivals throughout the world.
Michael Krajewski, notorious for his wry sense of humor and compelling performances, is the thirteenth-season Principal Pops Conductor of the Houston Symphony, is at the top of the list when symphonic pops concerts search for conductors. Krajewski has performed with the Boston Pops and the Hollywood Bowl orchestras and has collaborated with an eclectic group of artists including flutist James Galway, mezzo soprano Marilyn Horne, pop artists Roberta Flack, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Doc Severinsen, Al Hirt, Cab Calloway, Mary Wilson, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Pink Martini and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
For tickets and more information, please visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.
What a Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong
Michael Krajewski, conductor
Byron Stripling, trumpet and vocals
Tickets from: $29
Jones Hall
615 Louisiana St.
Houston, TX 77002
Fri., Jan. 18, 8pm
Sat., Jan. 19, 8pm
Sun., Jan. 20, 730pm
