NJO: Catch a Rising Star

The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra proudly announces its fifth and final concert of the 2001-2002 season with Catch a Rising Star, featuring fifteen-year-old piano phenomenon, Eldar Djangirov. Eldar was born in Kyrgystan in the former Soviet Union. He began studying music at the tender age of five. When he was twelve, his family moved to Kansas City and since then Eldar has participated in numerous jazz festivals and has performed frequently in the Kansas City area. In April of 1999, Eldar appeared on Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” program on National Public Radio, resulting in national recognition of his talent and an invitation to play in Ms. McPartland’s Annual Jazz Concert Series at Eastman School of Music in May of 2000. Eldar was interviewed on the CBS News “Sunday Morning” program in February of 2000. That same month he also performed on the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards Show. Last year, Eldar won first place in the jazz piano competition during the international Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Lincoln residents may remember Eldar’s performance at “Jazz In June” last summer. The Nebraska Jazz Orchestra program will include “Double Barrel Blues” by Bob Florence, “Invocation” by Rex Cadwallader, “A Child is Born” by Thad Jones, “The Kid from Red Bank” by Neal Hefti of the Count Basie Band and “There’s the Rub” by Gordin Goodwin. Eldar Djangirov will perform several solo numbers as well as several pieces with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra rhythm section. Eldar will also be available to greet the public during a reception immediately following the concert. The concert will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th Street, Lincoln, on Thursday, May 16th at 7:30 p.m. Priority seating for season ticket members only starts at 7:00-7:15, and general admission seating begins at 7:15 for tickets purchased at the door. General admission tickets may be purchased at the concert or ordered in advance by contacting the business office at Arts Incorporated, (402) 477-8446, 216 North 11th Street, Suite 202 in Lincoln, NE, 68508-1401. Tickets prices are: $7 for students, $12 for seniors (age 65 and older), and $15 for adults. For more information, please call the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra business office at Arts Incorporated, (402) 477-8446. Nebraska Jazz Orchestra strives to provide accessible venues and programs to visitors of all abilities. Please call the office at (402) 477-8446 regarding services available.

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