Photo of ASO Jazz Ensemble by Tony Melone

The jazz ensemble of the American Symphony Orchestra has performed numerous concerts dedicated to the great jazz composers of both the past and present, including Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea, Count Basie, Charles Mingus and many others. The ensemble’s recent program on May 12 and 13, 2025 honored jazz trumpet virtuoso and innovator Louis Armstrong. The legendary artist was a composer of more than 50 original charts, including Coal Cart Blues, Don’t Forget to Mess Around, Here Me Talkin’ to Ya, If We Never Meet Again, and New Orleans Stomp.

This performance was part of a free chamber music series in partnership with Bryant Park with programs curated by ASO musicians. Music-lovers will find a limited number of first-come, first-served chairs set up to enjoy an after-work respite with live music.

ARTISTS:

• Ron Wilkins, trombone and vocals
• Alphonso Horne, trumpet
• Zoe Obadia, saxophone and clarinet
• Steve Benson, guitar and banjo
• Lou Bruno, bass and curator
• Kory Grossman, drums

The ASO’s Chamber Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

–text from the website of the ASO