(PITTSBURGH) – In honor of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary and Manchester Bidwell Corporation’s 40th anniversary, MCG Jazz and UPMC are proud to present an incredible gala event and concert with Ivan Lins and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, featuring a guest performance by legendary songstress, Nancy Wilson.

The event takes place on November 14, 2008 at Heinz Hall and opens with a gala reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the concert at 8:00 p.m. The Brazilian-themed reception features food, music and surprises from Pittsburgh to Rio, as well as a historic photo exhibition that takes a long look back at some very memorable MCG Jazz performances. Attendees will also have a chance to mix and mingle with many of Pittsburgh’s most renowned jazz legends. Some of the evening’s additional highlights include the rich musical history of Pittsburgh through the compositions of some of its most notable native sons, such as Stephen Foster and Henry Mancini. Brazilian jazz superstar Ivan Lins joins the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Lucas Richmond, to present nine new arrangements of his romantic and powerful music, infused with the melodies of Foster, Mancini, and another Brazilian jazz legend, Antonio Carlos Jobim.

During the concert, the audience will be treated to unique and sophisticated arrangements of Ivan Lins’ compositions created by American arrangers Don Sebesky, Mike Tomaro and Jay Ashby, and Brazilian arranger Gilson Parranzetta. An original composition commissioned especially for the evening, Confluence, is destined to become a permanent part of symphony orchestra repertoire. Don Sebesky, whose classic arrangements and compositions have drawn variously from big band jazz, rock, ethnic and classical music, has composed a piece incorporating treasured melodies that celebrate the time-honored relationship between the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and UPMC. A special guest appearance by three-time GRAMMY® winner, Nancy Wilson, brings the evening full circle with her ability to add a soulful nuance to any musical style.

“The excitement of presenting world-class jazz music with a world-class orchestra at a world-class venue is the perfect combination as Manchester Bidwell celebrates 40 years of cultural and community involvement in western Pennsylvania,” says Marty Ashby, Executive Producer of MCG Jazz. “The confluence of three rivers; joining Pittsburgh and Rio with MCG Jazz and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, immersed in the music of Foster, Mancini, Jobim and Lins, and topped off with Miss Wilson will be a night to remember.”

“MCG Jazz does incredible work to enhance jazz education and appreciation,” said Clyde Jones, UPMC Chief Development Officer. “As Manchester Bidwell commemorates 40 years of creating educational opportunities for youth and adults in our region, UPMC proudly honors the long-standing partnership between our two community-based organizations.”

Ivan Lins is an internationally known composer and musical icon in his country of Brazil. He was born in Rio de Janeiro and lived for several years in Boston, Massachusetts. While living in Boston, around the age of three, his mother introduced him to the Stephen Foster songbook. Foster, a native of Pittsburgh, was known as the “father of American music” and was the pre-eminent American songwriter of the 19th century. Foster’s classic songs, such as “Camptown Races” and “Beautiful Dreamer” had a great influence on Lins and the way he conceived of music for the rest of his life.

It was upon a foundation of these first melodic notes that Lins began to build his musical career in Brazil. He was also influenced by another Pittsburgh native, Henry Mancini, whose vibrant orchestral harmonies helped to shape his fluent Latin style. Ivan Lins expresses devotion to his roots through his music, and his powerful connection to Pittsburgh is one that he credits for helping him to discover and nurture his considerable musical talent.

Gala tickets are priced at $350 per person and are available by calling the MCG Jazz box office at 412-322-0800. The event is sponsored in part by UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, BNY Mellon, Comcast, Gateway Financial, Bill and Nancy Rackoff, Trumbull PJ Dick, NOVA Chemicals, and Point Park University.

Manchester Bidwell At a Glance:
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild and Bidwell Training Center, Inc. are non-profit, multi-discipline arts and training centers housed at 1815 Metropolitan Street on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. Both organizations share a dedication to helping urban residents of the Pittsburgh area by offering them exceptional quality educational and cultural opportunities.

About UPMC:
UPMC is an integrated global health enterprise headquartered in Pittsburgh and one of the leading nonprofit health systems in the United States. As western Pennsylvania’s largest employer, with 48,000 employees and nearly $7 billion in revenue, UPMC is transforming the economy of the region into one based on medicine, research and technology. By integrating 20 hospitals, 400 doctors’ offices and outpatient sites, long-term care facilities and a major insurance plan, UPMC has advanced the quality and efficiency of health care and developed internationally renowned programs in transplantation, cancer, neurosurgery, psychiatry, orthopaedics and sports medicine, among others. UPMC is commercializing its medical and technological expertise by nurturing new companies, developing strategic business relationships with some of the world’s leading multinational corporations and expanding into international markets, including Italy, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Qatar. For more information about UPMC, visit our website at www.upmc.com.

Color images of Ivan Lins, Nancy Wilson, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra are available upon request by contacting Renee Govanucci.

Contact:
Renée Govanucci
Associate Producer, MCG Jazz
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
412-322-1773 Ext. 140
rgov@mcg-btc.org