Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
New York’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra has received a commission to compose and perform a new piece in honor of United States Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. The composition will premiere at New York’s Symphony Space on Nov. 5 with a second performance the following day.
“I am so grateful and excited to receive this commission,” said Arturo O’Farrill, the orchestra’s founder and director. “The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra’s mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and innovate the genre of Afro-Latin Big Band Jazz through performance. What better way to fulfill that mission than to honor the first Latina to be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.”
The commission’s backers include Symphony Space, RD Rice Construction and the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Sotomayor is a native of the borough.
“We have had a long tradition of commissioning new artwork by contemporary artists,” said the Bronx Museum’s executive director Holly Block. “The nomination of Sotomayor is great inspiration for everyone in the Bronx especially for youth and young women. Arturo O’Farrill’s commission represents an important moment in history.”
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
