Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra to Play at Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 31, 2023
The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, in partnership with The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County and the Barbara B. Highland Fund for the Arts and the WV Jazz Society, is bringing the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra to downtown Clarksburg on Friday, Nov. 3, at the historic Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.
Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 32-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra offers a soundtrack filled with rhythm, texture, and color.
“The Smithsonian’s visit to Clarksburg has been delayed twice by the pandemic,” said Jason A Young, the Robinson Grand’s program manager. “We are excited for it to finally happen and think our audience will be blown away by the show.”
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra’s appearance in Clarksburg will feature Washington, D.C., vocal standout Sharon Clark. Clark has made countless international tours, from Europe to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Russia, where she has developed a major following. She has performed as a featured soloist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony.
“In addition to the concert, the orchestra and Ms. Clark will be providing educational opportunities to Harrison County students in the days leading up to the public performance,” said Young. “All of this is made possible through great partners like the Cultural Foundation and the WV Jazz Society.”
The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra is presented live at The Robinson Grand by The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County and the Barbara B. Highland Fund for the Arts in partnership with the WV Jazz Society.
The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County, established in 1972, strives to foster an arts-rich environment and to engage the development and appreciation of all art forms, while also promoting the growth of artistic, cultural, and economic development.
The Barbara B. Highland Fund for the Arts provides funds to The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County for the engagement of fine arts presentations of a national scope in Harrison County. The generous provisions of this endowment, by longtime resident and patron of the arts, the late Barbara Brennan Highland, is indeed a reflection of her fine character, personality, and love for her community.
“The Cultural Foundation has always prioritized providing artistic educational opportunities for students in the community,” said Andy Walker, president of The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County. “We are thrilled to have the unique opportunity to bring world-class jazz performance and education to Harrison County.”
The West Virginia Jazz Society’s mission is to identify and develop the market for live jazz music in West Virginia in order to enhance local culture and music education in the community.
Tickets for the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra start at only $15 and are currently one sale to Friends of the Robinson Grand and Members of The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County. The general public can purchase tickets at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1.
All tickets can be purchased online at tickets.therobinsongrand.com or by calling the Robinson Grand ticketing center at (855) 773-6283.
Editor's Note: Submitted photo.
