PRESS RELEASE
THE WORLD PREMIERE TOUR
THE QUEEN’S SUITE AT MARLBOROUGH ON JULY 13th
In 1958, the renowned jazz musician, Duke Ellington, met Queen Elizabeth II. He
was so enchanted that he wrote ‘The Queen’s Suite’ in her honour. He recorded it on
vinyl and sent the Queen the only copy. He was subsequently tied up with other
projects so he never pursued this one, as he intended, before his death. Pete Long, the
Musical Director of the Ronnie Scott’s orchestras, organised the transcription of the
score at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
What more appropriate way to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of our Queen than
to perform a work that was composed in her honour and which has never been
performed till now? The 16-piece band, Echoes of Ellington is regarded as one of
greatest UK swing orchestras of all time. It will be led by its founder, Pete Long.
(clarinet, saxes, flute, piccolo, trumpet), the force behind the rediscovery of this
fabulous piece of music.
The suite is in six movements and lasts for 25 minutes. With typical elegance,
Ellington seeks to portray the feelings of a subject on meeting his Queen and his own
subsequent experiences. The first two represent Beauty. Sunset and the Mocking Bird
reflects haunting birdsong he heard in Florida: Lightning Bugs and Frogs the
experience on the shores of the Ohio River of seeing ‘millions of lightning bugs,
dancing in the air. It was a perfect ballet setting, and down below in a gully, like an
orchestra pit, could be heard the croaking of frogs.’ After telling Billy Strayhorn
about the wonder of seeing the Northern Lights in Canada, his arranger composed the
movement that bears that name, which represents Majesty. The fourth movement, Le
Sucrier Velours, also represents Beauty. ‘This is the name the French have for a bird
whose song is sweet and who feels as soft as velours.’ The movement, Apes and
Peacocks represents Splendour and was inspired by the Biblical story of the Queen
of Sheba. Besides the gold, silver and ivory she brought to King Solomon, there were
apes and peacocks. The sixth movement, The Single Petal of a Rose, represents
Wonder.
The first half of the programme will include two other noted Ellington orchestral
pieces: The Tatooed Bride (1848) and Diminuendo and Crescendo (1936). The second
half consists of the great Ellington numbers, including Don’t Get Around Much
Anymore, Take the “A” Train, Mood Indigo. It don’t mean a Thing and Rockin’ in
Rhythm.
“If you’re a Royalist, a big band fan, an Ellingtonian groupie, or just someone who
likes fantastic music”, commented Nick Fogg, “then get down to Marlborough on July
13th. You’ll not be disappointed.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT NICHOLAS FOGG AS
ABOVE. PRESS TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE.
www.plong.co.uk/ellington
Brewin Dolphin Best Newcomer Nominee