World-class jazz musician to share talents with SMU

Internationally recognized jazz saxophonist Marc Bernstein will travel from his home in Denmark to Saint Mary’s March 24-26 to give a public performance and to work with members of the SMU Concert Band, as well as other SMU music students.

Bernstein has been chosen as this year’s Kaplan Commissioning Project composer.

The Concert Band commissioned Bernstein’s piece through the Helen and Sam Kaplan Foundation Commissioning Project. The foundation supports performances and activities led by Jewish artists and scholars that are designed to increase cultural and religious understanding at Saint Mary’s. Bernstein’s visit is funded in part through the Danish government to promote artistic-educational partnership activities in the world. He is SMU’s fifth Kaplan composer.
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The Concert Band will present the world premiere performance of Bernstein’s composition next September, during SMU’s Inauguration/ Family Weekend.

During his spring visit, Bernstein — along with local and regional musicians — will also present a public recital at 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in Figliulo Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public, courtesy of the Sam and Helen Kaplan Foundation.

Bernstein, born in Brooklyn, N.Y., graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 1984. Inspired by great saxophonists and jazz artists, he recorded his first CD in 1985, and was a regular performer in New York City. He began playing overseas, and gained notoriety in Denmark, where he was offered a spot with Klüvers Big Band. Bernstein relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark; he left the band in 1996 to go solo, and has since released six CDs.