WS Chronicle

The Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS), under the direction of Music Director & Conductor Maestro Matthew Troy, will present “Happy Holidays with Dee Dee Bridgewater,” on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Auditorium, 301 Hawthorne Road NW, Winston-Salem.

The Piedmont Wind Symphony continues the tradition of bringing world-class artists to our community during the holiday season with internationally renowned jazz vocalist, triple Grammy winner, and Tony winner Dee Dee Bridgewater. Bridgewater is one of the most accomplished musicians of our time and she said she is excited to join Maestro Matthew Troy and the Piedmont Wind Symphony for a special concert. Bridgewater will perform with her jazz trio and the Piedmont Wind Symphony jazz standards like “Come Sunday” and “Prelude to a Kiss,” as well as holiday charts including “The Christmas Song.”

In April of this year Bridgewater was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters Fellows Award. The NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship is the highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz artists. Each year since 1982, the program has elevated to its ranks a select number of living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz.

On Dec. 14, the night before Bridgewater is set to rehearse with PWS, she will be presented with the 2017 ASCAP Foundation Champion Award in New York City at the Lincoln Center. The Champion Award was established by the ASCAP Foundation to celebrate ASCAP members whose contributions extend beyond music to significant charitable and humanitarian efforts. As a goodwill ambassador to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Bridgewater is part of an appeal for international solidarity to finance global grassroots projects in the fight against world hunger.

PWS launched season tickets for the first time in the organization’s history, with ticket pricing reflecting their mission of making classical music more accessible. A prorated subscription package is available for the remaining three concerts of the season with packages ranging from $45–$125. Single tickets to “Happy Holidays with Dee Dee Bridgewater” range from $35–$75. Purchase tickets at www.piedmontwindsymphony.com/tickets.

A VIP Experience is available which will provide valet parking at the concert, a meet and greet with Dee Dee Bridgewater, your photo taken with Bridgewater, a concert poster signed by Bridgewater, valet parking at the after party, and a drink ticket at the after party. Tickets to for the VIP Experience are limited and are an additional $50. The VIP Experience does not include tickets to the concert. Purchase tickets for the VIP Experience at www.piedmontwindsymphony.com/tickets.

An after party, sponsored in part by WSNC 90.5 FM and The Katharine Brasserie, will take place at the bar in The Katharine Brasserie and is open to the public. The public will be able to mingle with Maestro Troy and PWS musicians while sipping a craft beer or a delicious handmade cocktail. Another performance that night with a talented jazz trio will be provided by WSNC 90.5 FM.

About Piedmont Wind Symphony

For 28 years, the Piedmont Wind Symphony (PWS) has provided excellence in the performance of symphonic music for the Piedmont of North Carolina and continues this tradition for the 28th season under the leadership of Music Director, Maestro Matthew Troy. Maestro Troy is known for his innovative and engaging programming to make great music accessible to all audiences. Each season the PWS presents Classical concerts, Holiday Pops with world-renowned artists, and Special Event Gala concerts, as well as educational and community engagement outreach. For more information about the Piedmont Wind Symphony visit www.piedmontwindsymphony.com.