Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass with Guest Organist Alan Morrison to Perform at Heritage Center with UD Concert and Jazz Bands

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass with guest organist Alan Morrison and special guests the UD Concert Band and UD Jazz Band will perform in the third annual John and Alice Butler Pipe Organ Recital Series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque. The performance is part of the 11th annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.

Internationally known trumpeter Rodney Marsalis effortlessly mixes classical, big band swing, New Orleans jazz, and straight-ahead jazz with the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. Referred to as a trumpet prodigy, Marsalis has received praise from international publications including American Record Guide for his evocative interpretation, impeccable virtuosity, and beauty of sound. Marsalis made his solo debut at the age of 15 with the New Orleans Symphony, and he has worked under the guidance of world-renowned conductors such as Leonard Bernstein, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gerard Schwarz, and more. He has since performed with several symphonies around the world and been invited to give master classes at the Juilliard School, the North Carolina School for the Arts, the National Trumpet Competition, and the International Trumpet Guild Conference.

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is America's premier large bass ensemble. A group that reflects the diverse makeup of the American culture, the band is dedicated to the notion that music is a gift to be enjoyed by everyone. A family-owned and operated business with beginnings on the streets of New Orleans, the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass has been invited to perform in performing arts centers around the world including China's National Center for the Performing Arts, Guangzhou Opera House, Tangelwood's Seiji Ozawa Hall.

Joining the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is the talented Alan Morrison. Recognized as one of America's premier concert organists, Morrison enjoys a versatile career. His concert performances throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Russia have been received with enthusiastic praise for his quality programming, colorful use of the organ, and interpretive integrity. Morrison was recently honored by the Philadelphia Chapter of The American Guild of Organists with the Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of his teaching and career. A champion of American composers, Morrison has premiered important new works by William Bolcom, Adolphus Hailstork, and more.

With Marsalis's strikingly beautiful trumpet playing, the ensembles' charisma, and Morrison's precision on the organ, audience members are sure to be wowed by their unimaginable abilities.

The UD Concert Band, conducted by Nolan Hauta, DMA, director of concert bands and associate professor of instrumental music, and the UD Jazz Band, conducted by Evan Glickman, DMA, director of jazz and athletic bands and assistant professor of music, will open the show.

Support for this performance is provided by the William P. Woodward Visiting Artist-in-Residence Endowment.

Tickets may be purchased by visiting the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by calling 563.585.7469; or by visiting www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online for reduced ticket handling fees.

The Farber Box Office is open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

In its second year, the Heritage Performing Arts Loyalty System (H-PALS) continues to allow patrons to earn rewards with most ticket purchases. For every $200 spent on eligible events, patrons will receive one free ticket (valued up to $50) to their choice of eligible event. Reward points are redeemable for Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series events only. Please visit www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter and click on "PURCHASE TICKETS" for more details.