Think Big! with Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Celebrating the Incomparable HAZEL SCOTT

The anticipated event will be an unforgettable evening as Karen Chilton shares a captivating presentation from HAZEL SCOTT: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC, a Hazel Scott biography.It will encompass abespoke audio-visual experience spotlighting never-before-seen archival footage of Hazel Scott’s illustrious performances, candid interviews, and personal life moments. This narrated tour de force promises to immerse the audience in the vibrant world of Hazel Scott, carefully weaving together her artistic journey of “jazzing the classics” with CJP’s unique exploration of third stream music, the combination of jazz and classical music.

Following Chilton’s presentation, audiences will be treated to a scintillating conversation between Chilton and CJP ‘s artistic director, Orbert Davis, and Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music dean emerita, Toni-Marie Montgomery, that delves into Scott’s dedication to artistic excellence, self-actualization, and activism. They will explore Scott’s profound impact on music, her connections to Chicago, highlighting her performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and her poignant rivalry with pianist Dorothy Donegan, and her courageous stance as a civil rights advocate who faced significant adversities, including being unjustly stripped of her U.S. passport. While the focus remains on Scott’s inspiring legacy, the conversation will also examine how her trailblazing spirit resonates within CJP’s mission.

Think Big! Awards will be presented to Karen Chilton, the critically acclaimed Hazel Scott biographer, playwright, librettist, and actor, for leading the preservation and revival of Hazel Scott’s tremendous and historic contributions to American music. Dean Toni-Marie Montgomery, DMA, will be presented with a Think Big! Award for her impact as a visionary education leader, institution builder, and concert pianist. As part of the event festivities, audience members will receive copies of HAZEL SCOTT: The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC.