Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington’s work represents one of the greatest legacies of the 20th century. Combining the spirit of blues with the most refined orchestral invention, the Duke has always defended the idea of an art for all, delivering an original and timeless language, built on imagination, intelligence and sound aesthetics, beyond styles and eras. 

« If you want to hear Ellington live, go to Paris ! » – Duke Ellington Music Society

The french « Laurent Mignard Duke Orchestra » embodies the work of one of the greatest creators in the 20th century, to bring it to the knowledge of all audiences (D.N.J). Since 2003, this famous Orchestra has been able to force respect for the world of jazz in Europe thanks to the quality of its interpretation (AFP) and multiplied the original projects: «Battle Royal», «Ellington French Touch», the «Duke Ellington Sacred Concert» and tour in the french cathedrals, «Duke Ladies», «Multicolored Duke», invitation of personalities such as Rhoda Scott, Natalie Dessay, Roberta Gambarini, Nicolle Rochelle, Myra Maud, Sylvia Howard, Fabien Ruiz, John Surman, Jorge Pardo …

In search of the perfect balance of the sounds and with an impeccable swing, Laurent Mignard embodies the spirit of Ellington in today’s body (Télérama). And since the maestro did not leave scores, he meticulously transcribed the repertoire from the original recordings, that his dream-team of soloists appropriated themselves in interpretations both respectful and creative. A work of goldsmith (Jazz magazine).

As soon as the curtain rises, the audience feels raised by the power of the orchestra, its intense rhythmic trepidation. Galvanized by an enthusiastic and complicit audience (Hot Club de France), the Duke Orchestra guides us on a breathtaking journey to the Ellingtonian lands (Jazz News). Claps of hands and warm atmosphere from the first minutes, fidelity to the spirit as to the letter, impeccable soloists … the sections rumble or whisper, the soloists explode to dizziness or whisper disturbing confidences (Jazz magazine). The great Duke is celebrated in all its classical modernity (Le Monde). The thrill, the class, the joy invite … reincarnate. The audience is at the height of pleasure, as if heated to a blank (Libération). We leave the room uncombed (Jazz Magazine)… carrying a new sesame to enter the world of jazz.

Repertoire        Press review        Discography        Videos

Déclinations 

Duke Quintet / Duke Septet

Extensions – cultural actions

  • Exhibition Duke Ellington panorama in 12 pannels from la Maison du Duke (Duke’s place in Paris)
  • Conferences by the experts of la Maison du Duke (Duke’s place in Paris)
  • Master class

References

Shanghai Spring festival, Beijing Opera, Cork – Ireland, Liban Jazz Beyrut, Tournai jazz festival Belgium, Radio France, théâtre du Châtelet Paris, Olympia Paris,  la Seine Musicale, Le Palace Paris, l’Alhambra Paris, théâtre Paris Plaine, Jazz à Vienne, Jazz sous les Pommiers, Jazz au Fil de l’Oise, Radio France et Montpellier, Pertuis, Munster, churchs Saint Sulpice & La Madeleine Paris, French Cathedrals (Lille, Rennes, Toulouse, Aix-en-Provence, Lyon, Nîmes), Limoges Opera, Bayonne scène nationale, Périgueux scène nationale, Vendôme scène nationale, Arcachon Olympia, Carré Bellefeuille, Collège des Bernardins, Fondation Maeght, Pan Piper, l’Entrepôt, Petit Journal, Méridien Etoile, Jazz club Lionel Hampton, TF1, France 2, France 3, Mezzo, France Inter, France Musique, France Info, TSF jazz …

 

Line-up

Didier Desbois (as,cl), Aurelie Tropez (as, cl), Olivier Dafays (ts, cl, fl), Carl Schlosser (ts), Philippe Chagne (bar, cl, bcl), Claude Egéa, Sylvain Gontard or Gilles Relisieux, Jérôme Etcheberry, Malo Mazurié (tp), Nicolas Grymonprez, Michaël Ballue, Jerry Edwards (tb), Philippe Milanta (p), Bruno Rousselet (cb), Julie Saury (dm), Laurent Mignard (cond.)

 

Trailers

 

Selection

DLP