Parisian Jazz Night: Featuring Guitarist Alvaro Bermudez & Northrop Organist Greg Zelek
Free for UMN students; registration required.
Embark on a romantic journey through French classical and jazz works, performed in a unique pairing for organ and guitar by Northrop Organist Greg Zelek and award-winning musician Alvaro Bermudez. Steeped in the elegance of Parisian charm and musical sophistication, the evening will transport you through arrangements of well-known jazz and pop standards by Django Reinhardt, Édith Piaf, and Jacques Brel, alongside classical organ works that showcase the grandeur of the Northrop organ. Be swept away as you relax into a timeless repertoire that spans centuries.
“Blending Traditions: Personal Experiences Inspire Alvaro Bermudez’s New Work”—Seraphic Fire
The content below derives from the Northrop Across Campus Program that supports Northrop's mission towards intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.
Find ways to make thematic connections to these suggested topics:
Dive deeper with these resources that provide additional information about the performers, the history of the artform, and the artistic process.
Links:
"Introducing Greg Zelek, the New Northrop Organist!"—Northrop Blog
Composer Spotlight: Alvaro Bermudez—Seraphic Fire Magazine
Video: "Greg Zelek: Je te veux by Erik Satie"
Video: "Alvaro Bermudez, February 15th, 2022, FIU Music Hour"
Dissertation: "Making Jazz French" by Jeffrey H. Jackson
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In this unique pairing of organ and guitar, Parisian Jazz Night will feature jazz arrangements and pop works by Django Reinhardt, Édith Piaf, and Jacques Brel, as well as classical pieces that showcase the historic Northrop organ.
Northrop's renowned Aeolian-Skinner organ was built between 1932 to 1936. It features four keyboards, nearly 7,000 pipes, and stands more than 40 feet tall, making it the third-largest concert hall organ in the U.S. The organ requires meticulous maintenance and has recently undergone a $3.2 million restoration. Northrop Organist Greg Zelek advises on preserving this instrument of history while showcasing its versatility through unique programs and artistic collaborations.
Supported by Anna Heilmaier Foundation.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
