Honoring and preserving the legacy of Duke Ellington
Such Sweet Thunder – A Shakespearean Jazz Holiday Celebration at Symphony Space
Friday, December 12, 2025
7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Join us for a joyful holiday celebration honoring the legendary Duke Ellington, presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation. Musical Director Eli Yamin, along with directors Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag, lead the 15-piece Duke Ellington Center Big Band and an exceptional lineup featuring Mark Mindek, AC Lincoln, Karen Callaway Williams, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Antoinette Montague, Max Pollak, Miles Purinton, Karyn Tomczak & the Precision Dancers, and the Big Apple Ballroom Studio Dancers.
The evening includes a rare full performance of Such Sweet Thunder—Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s twelve-part jazz suite inspired by Shakespeare. This unforgettable event blends jazz, dance, and holiday cheer in a vibrant tribute to Ellington’s creativity and cultural legacy.
Tickets Available Here!
VIP $150
Advance $45
Member/Senior/Child/Student $25
WBGO’s The Art of the Story, hosted by Doug Doyle, has gone podcast — offering listeners a unique glimpse into the world of arts and entertainment. In a recent episode titled “Such Sweet Thunder”, Doyle interviews Mercedes Ellington, granddaughter of the legendary Duke Ellington, about a special concert honoring her grandfather’s life and music.
Listen to the full podcast episode: WBGO: The Art of the Story – Mercedes Ellington on Such Sweet Thunder
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Preserving the Legacy of Duke Ellington
Considered one of America's greatest composers, arrangers, and bandleaders, with over 3,000 compositions attributed to him, Duke Ellington is a seminal figure in the history of American music. It is our honor to preserve his legacy through education, documentation, and performance.
“Love is supreme and unconditional; like is nice but limited.”
— Duke Ellington