BYU Synthesis Prepares For Caribbean Tour With Campus Concert

The ensemble will share the stage with two of the world’s top jazz musicians BYU’s Synthesis will join with celebrated guest artists from the jazz world for their final campus concert of the semester. The performance will feature both classic and original compositions in a range of styles — including swing, Latin and funk — and various musical traditions from the Caribbean countries the ensemble will visit on their upcoming summer tour. “This will be a creative, energetic night with a wide variety of wonderful music, from the Dominican Republic to Stevie Wonder,” said Synthesis director Ray Smith. “We will also be featuring one of the most amazing trumpet players on the jazz scene today, Terell Stafford, as well as Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, an exceptional saxophonist who is receiving rave reviews around the world.” Stafford is a New York-based trumpet player who has performed on over 130 albums. He is currently the director of jazz studies and the chair of instrumental studies at Temple University and devotes much of his time to educating and encouraging young musicians. “Terell Stafford is a world-renowned trumpet player and one of the most genuine, kind musicians I’ve ever met,” said Nate Campbell, who plays lead trombone in Synthesis. “I’ve had the privilege of playing with him before and I’m excited to do so again.” Lefkowitz-Brown will be coming to the Synthesis concert from Egypt — one of many stops in his busy schedule of global tours and performances at venues like Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and the Super Bowl. “There’s a lot to look forward to in this concert, but I’m especially excited for the tenor saxophonist, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, who is an important influence in today’s jazz scene,” said Synthesis’ lead alto saxophonist Steven Hardy. Lefkowitz-Brown is regarded as one of the first prominent jazz musicians to come from the millennial generation, giving the BYU musicians a glimpse into the future of the genre.   Tickets and Show Details Performance Dates and Times: April 10 | 7:30 p.m. Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $7-11 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU HFAC or Marriott Center Ticket Office, by phone at (801) 422-2981 or online at byuarts.com