Wynton Marsalis
By Peter Townson/Staff Reporter

Doha is set to welcome one of the legends of jazz music next year, when Wynton Marsalis brings the Jazz at Lincoln Centre to the St Regis.
The centre will become the first to be operated by the group outside New York, and Gulf Times spoke to the virtuoso trumpet player and artistic director of the centre about his plans for Qatar and his hopes to reach the local community through his music.
“One of our mandates is bringing music everywhere, and we always look to collaborate with musicians all over the world,” he said, referring to a number of recordings the group has made with African and European musicians among others.
“We are so glad to have the opportunity to come into this region of the world - we bring a type of soft diplomacy,” he said, adding “we look for meaningful partners, and at St Regis we have found a meaningful partner – we play long ball not short ball, because we believe in future generations.”
Marsalis is passionate about education, and dedicates a huge portion of his life to teaching young musicians and helping to spread awareness about the genre of music for which he feels such deep love.
He said that the most important aspect of teaching young people is to feel love for the music and for them, arguing that this sense of commitment will produce a strong response from students.
Marsalis spent his young life around educators, and was brought up in the heart of a musical community.  This sense of togetherness and sharing music throughout “the neighbourhood” is something upon which Marsalis still places a great deal of importance.
He is hoping that the new venue proves popular with local audiences, with the Jazz at Lincoln Centre to bring different musicians to Qatar on a monthly basis and performances set to be held six nights a week.
“What is important about music is what lies underneath the notes,” he said, “and everyone, all over the world can feel those emotions and understand what is underneath.”
The nine-time Grammy winner is hoping that the high level of musical ability on show throughout the year will prove a winning formula.
“I tend to believe in quality – you have to work a bit harder for it, but it’s worth it,” he added.
Marsalis plays a wide variety of music, and within the orchestra there is a great deal of songwriting talent, providing them with a large selection of new and original pieces to perform alongside the classics.
Having played all over the world, Marsalis has performed in some incredible international venues, but Wednesday’s concert at the Muscat Royal Opera House provided the orchestra with an opportunity to play in the Gulf as an ensemble.  And Marsalis was very positive about his experience in Oman.
“Fantastic acoustics, great décor - A+.  It’s hard to build a hall and I’m not just saying that – that’s another part of the jazz culture, you just don’t say nothing gratuitous or fake – but they did a really great job,” he said.
Wednesday’s concert was well received by the audience in Oman, and the level of musicianship on display should certainly leave jazz fans in Doha extremely excited about this new initiative and its impact on the local music scene when the club opens next year.
Following his trip to the region, Marsalis is also excited about the future and the collaboration between St Regis and the Jazz at Lincoln Centre.
“Wherever there are people there are experiences to be had,” he said, adding “you have to go out and be a part of your expectations.”



 

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