Jazz Evening: The Music of Pat Metheny

The final concert of our calendar this year was very special one. Our Big Band led an evening of the music of trailblazing jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny.

For many years a couple of pieces from this oeuvre have been mainstays of our flagship ensemble. First Circle and Minuano are known to Habs audiences as being amongst the most dynamic and exciting repertoire our band plays. In this highly ambitious concert the band took on almost all the material arranged for this ensemble – working our way through the fiendishly difficult Bob Curnow album.

This music is deceptive in its complexity, its popularity testament to the melodic beauty of the compositions. It has been an immense challenge that we have enjoyed, playing music that stretches our horizons but is so rewarding to perform.

Alongside the Big Band we heard ensemble performances from our most exceptional improvisers, showing us why jazz at the school has developed such a reputation for excellence.

It has been an exciting year in our music school with too many highlights to list here. Our concert schedule for next year will soon be published, we look forward to sharing many more wonderful evenings with you next year.