Ellington returns to Eastbourne

A festival of world-class jazz, local voices, and musical heritage is celebrating the anniversary of Duke Ellington’s Iconic ‘Eastbourne Performance’. Fifty years ago, the last official album of the world’s greatest jazz musician was released. It featured a live recording of one of his final inspiring performances - not in some famous jazz club in New York, but at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre.

So, on Sun 12 Oct, this south coast venue will again come alive with the sweet sound of jazz – as a special concert celebrating this iconic musical event.

Featuring some of the UK’s top jazz talent alongside local, regional and national partners, this one-off event celebrates a landmark moment in music history, shines a spotlight on Ellington’s enduring creative legacy, and commemorates Eastbourne’s special connection to one of the giants of 20th-century music.

The Duke’s iconic ‘Eastbourne performance’ recording was an album marking the end of his 58-year career as a legendary, multiple Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and band leader who helped define the development of jazz as an enduring musical art form.

Ellington in Eastbourne celebrates the town’s special connection to the Duke by presenting an all-star line-up in the original venue. Heading the bill is the UK’s foremost big band, Echoes of Ellington, performing highlights from the Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald songbook, fronted by Pete Long, Musical Director of The Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, with featured virtuoso vocalist Sara Oschlag.

This outstanding evening of live music also spotlights the Ellington Piano Project, from leading British jazz musicians, Arnie Somogyi and Mark Edwards, launching their brilliant new album of music, inspired directly by the Dukes’ 'Eastbourne Performance' and recorded using the very same Steinway Grand piano he played that night!

With youth performances from The Brighton &, Hove Youth Big Band and a foyer set from New Generation Jazz Futures, Ellington in Eastbourne celebrates an event of historic cultural importance, showcasing the Dukes’ incredible body of work alongside the best in British jazz and some new jazz stars of the future.

Ellington in Eastbourne comes to the Congress Theatre on Sun 12 Oct 2025.

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk  

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