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Such Sweet Thunder - A Shakespearean Jazz Celebration

Friday, December 12, 2025 (7- 8:30 PM)
Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street

Join us for a joyful holiday celebration honoring the legendary Duke Ellington, presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts (DECFA) in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF). The evening is hosted by Mercedes Ellington, Duke’s granddaughter, and Tony Waag, Artistic Director of the American Tap Dance Foundation.

TICKETS

Enjoy live performances by The Duke Ellington Center Big Band, with guest musicians, dancers, and vocalists. The program features a rare full performance of Such Sweet Thunder - Ellington’s twelve-part jazz suite inspired by the works of William Shakespeare and more iconic selections from Ellington’s catalog. Composed with Billy Strayhorn in under three weeks, Such Sweet Thunder channels Shakespeare’s drama, wit, and poetry through the bold language of jazz. Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag will guide the evening with stories and reflections on Ellington’s lasting impact. 

For tickets visit: TICKETS 

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September 28

Celebrating the Legacy of Duke Ellington

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May 19

Tony Waag’s Tap City, the New York City Tap Festival