Nine-time Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis is coming to Wharton Center for a celebration of jazz and a world premiere of a new piece celebrating Michigan composed by Marsalis and performed by the combined talents of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and the MSU Symphony Orchestra.

The performance, which showcases the new work, is part of multi-day artist-in-residence from September 22-25, during which Marsalis will work with students from MSU, Interlochen Arts Academy, and select area high schools.

“We’re extremely proud to be hosting Wynton at Michigan State as a 2008-2009 artist-in-residence,” says Brand. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to learn from a musical legend and audiences to share in an historical evening of new jazz.”

Brand also discusses Wharton Center’s mission, the challenges and opportunities facing the performing arts industry, and Wharton’s MSUFCU Institute for Arts and Creativity.

Originally published on the Spartan Podcast

Love talks about the mission of Wharton Center and of the new Institute. He describes the physical changes that will take place to the building itself and the artist residencies that will serve as the cornerstone of the new Institute.

He also talks about the current state of Wharton Center and of the entire performing arts industry. He discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Wharton Center and peers into the Center’s future.

Originally published on the Spartan Podcast