Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Duke in Africa is a powerful tribute to Duke Ellington’s profound connection to the African continent. Staged nearly 60 years after Ellington's historic performance in Senegal, this concert explores how the legendary composer’s works drew inspiration from African rhythms and cultural themes. Co-music directors, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s own Chris Lewis and Alexa Tarantino, lead the JLCO in a dynamic program featuring selections from Ellington’s works. Watch them discuss their process in an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.

Get tickets: jazz.org