Doc Severinsen Cancels Performances at the Meyerhoff Due to Illness

Duke Ellington Orchestra to perform at the Meyerhoff, November 28-30

November 25, 2008–(Baltimore, Md.)–The Baltimore Symphony regrets to announce that Doc Severinsen will not be performing this weekend at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall as scheduled due to illness. “Doc is really disappointed to have to cancel,” reports road manager Susan Steele. “He always enjoys performing for Baltimore audiences. Unfortunately, he’s developed a case of pneumonia and what he really needs is rest. I’m glad that he’s being wise and taking time to recover.”

In his place, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Duke Ellington Orchestra, performing at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall on Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 30 at 3:00 p.m. Founded by the great Duke Ellington, this orchestra rose to fame in the post-World World II era and pioneered a new style of high-intensity jazz, fusing swing, pop, and soul. Barrie Lee Hall, Jr. will lead the Duke Ellington Orchestra in a variety of works, including greatest hits like It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got that Swing), Take the A Train, Mood Indigo and Satin Doll, as well as Duke Ellington’s arrangement of The Nutcracker and other seasonal favorites.

About the Duke Ellington Orchestra
The Duke Ellington Orchestra is the preeminent performer of the music of Duke Ellington.  A prolific composer, Ellington created over 2,000 pieces of music, including the standard songs “Take the A-Train” and “It Don’t mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” and the longer works Black, Brown and Beige, Liberian Suite and Afro-Eurasian Eclipse. The Orchestra features conductor Barrie Lee Hall, Jr., one of the original orchestra members.

In 2007, The Duke Ellington Orchestra traveled over four continents to play and promote the music of Duke Ellington.  The Orchestra was the featured performer at the prestigious Tokyo Jazz Festival and the Cape May Jazz Festival (one of the longest running jazz festivals in the United States).

In 2008, The Duke Ellington Orchestra traveled throughout the world including a two-week tour in Japan, Korea, Romania and a six-week United States West Coast tour. The Orchestra will soon be returning to the recording studio to record Duke Ellington classics. Also in development is a stand-alone production of Duke Ellington’s music that will include the orchestra, vocalists and dancers.

Barrie Lee Hall, Jr., band leader
Born in 1949 in Mansfield, Louisiana, Barrie Lee Hall, Jr.’s interest in jazz began in high school. He later studied music (trumpet and piano) at Texas Southern University and won soloist awards in national big band college jazz festival competitions around the country. While still a student, he met Duke Ellington and soon after joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1973. After Mercer Ellington’s death in 1996, Mr. Hall took over as conductor and band leader. Mr. Hall was the music director at Liberty Baptist Church in Houston, Texas for five years. He has extensive background in gospel music both contemporary and traditional gospel.
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