Project

Calefax – a classical reed quintet – and the Tony Overwater Trio – a jazz ensemble – have joined forces to perform several suites that were written by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn for the Duke Ellington orchestra, in new arrangements for six reed players (oboe, clarinets, saxophones, bassoon), double bass and drums. Following the huge successes of concerts in the Netherlands (both on classical music stages and in jazz venues such as the Bimhuis and North Sea Jazz) and the internationally acclaimed cd, they are planning a concert series in 2008/2009 through the Near, Middle and Far East. These were the countries that Ellington toured with his orchestra in 1963, and that inspired him to write his famous Far East Suite: from Cyprus and Greece, through Lebanon and Iraq, to India and Japan.
By collaborating closely with musicians in these countries, the two ensembles will enter into a dialogue with other cultures and, most importantly, demonstrate how music can rise above cultural and social differences. Both groups will play ‘ individually’, inviting local musicians to join in; together, Calefax and the Tony Overwater Trio will not only perform the Far East Suite, but also play new music by Dutch composers – written especially for this occasion – as well as new work by composers from the visited countries, in a “jukebox composition” masterminded by saxofonist/composer Maarten Ornstein. In addition, they will collaborate with local musicians and composers in concerts, masterclasses and workshops, that will be underscored with discussions, filmsand othe interactive presentations. 

The results of these collaborations will be presented in a concert series in the Netherlands in the season 2009/2010, where the highlights of the concert tour will be performed together with the musicians from the “ far east countries”.