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All photos on this page by Deborah Boardman
All photos on this page by Deborah Boardman
Leslie Burrs on the The Tavis Smiley Show
Burrs and Williams spoke with NPR's Tavis Smiley about their opera VANQUI and its signature blend of jazz, classical and African music cues -- a sound Burrs calls "urban classical," and about Burrs' jazz CD, Blue Harlem, Black Knight, where he collaborates with other musicians to explore that unique sound further.
Hear full-length cuts from a live September 2003 performance of the opera: Ride Vanqui Ride; Moremi's Lullaby; Land. and selections from the Leslie Burrs jazz CD Blue Harlem, Black Knight at this NPR link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1596584
Hear full-length cuts from a live September 2003 performance of the opera: Ride Vanqui Ride; Moremi's Lullaby; Land. and selections from the Leslie Burrs jazz CD Blue Harlem, Black Knight at this NPR link http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1596584
Click to enlarge or download cd cover image.
Quotes
"Again my thanks for a superb performance of your work, “SUNDAWN - MR. DAWSON’S STRUT” with the Philadelphia Orchestra... During your performance, facial expressions of awe were in abundance! Your work very successfully combines classical and jazz techniques and brings to life “Musical Revolutionaries,” the theme for that concert.”
Former Director of Education, Philadelphia Orchestra
…His major composition is the opera “Vanqui”. Mr. Burrs’ music is a successful amalgam of classical, jazz, gospel and other influences. The result is an inspired score which clearly moved the audiences at the premiere. The choral writing in the work is stunning.
Another fine work of Mr. Burrs that I have conducted is “SunDawn - Mr. Dawson’s Strut”. It is a brilliant showpiece for the orchestra and flute soloist. As soloist himself, Mr. Burrs is a captivating performer, improvising cadenzas in his unique, versatile style.
Mr. Burrs is also an outstanding pedagogue. I’ve heard him communicate well to elementary school students, high school students and to college students. At the College of Marin he was a guest lecturer to music majors and minors as part of his residency with the Marin Symphony. He was an engaging speaker - knowledgeable, humorous and impassioned."
Gary Sheldon, Principal Guest Conductor for San Francisco Ballet
Artistic Director and Conductor of the Lancaster Festival in Ohio
“Leslie Burrs’ display of bravura flute playing yesterday confirmed the advance reports of his solo virtuosity. But his ensemble compositions provided the real excitement, indicating that the opera he is working on for Opera/Columbus may blow the roof off the Palace Theatre.”
The Columbus Dispatch
"The second half of the program featured flutist Leslie Savoy Burrs in five of his own compositions, soundscapes that incorporated elements of classical music and jazz, as well as African idioms... Along with his own drummer, bassist and pianist, Burrs and the orchestra soared through harmonically interesting and rhythmically charged selections... Through it all, Burrs was the consummate artist, exuding melody as he led the 1200 in attendance on a gleeful walk with the spirits.”
Richmond Times Dispatch
"Guest soloist Leslie Burrs played an engaging group of his own evocative light jazz pieces, showing dazzling fluency on a variety of wooden and metal flutes.”
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution
"Leslie Burrs opened the concert with a bamboo flute improvisation that elegantly combined elements of Blues and Spirituals... Among the more lyrical and moving performances was Burr’s composition, Mill Mountain.”
Washington Post
"Flutist Leslie Burrs is a whirlwind improviser and composer.”
Buffalo News
"He kept his audience entranced with spectacular improvisations.
The Evening Post, Charleston, South Carolina
"Burrs was the master of his music... this is the music of an accomplished craftsman."
News&Courier, Charleston, South Carolina
"His impeccable musicianship is supplemented by a warm, sincere, humanistic approach to the Arts that touches people of all ages and musical interests.”
Chattanooga Times
"Again my thanks for a superb performance of your work, “SUNDAWN - MR. DAWSON’S STRUT” with the Philadelphia Orchestra... During your performance, facial expressions of awe were in abundance! Your work very successfully combines classical and jazz techniques and brings to life “Musical Revolutionaries,” the theme for that concert.”
Former Director of Education, Philadelphia Orchestra
…His major composition is the opera “Vanqui”. Mr. Burrs’ music is a successful amalgam of classical, jazz, gospel and other influences. The result is an inspired score which clearly moved the audiences at the premiere. The choral writing in the work is stunning.
Another fine work of Mr. Burrs that I have conducted is “SunDawn - Mr. Dawson’s Strut”. It is a brilliant showpiece for the orchestra and flute soloist. As soloist himself, Mr. Burrs is a captivating performer, improvising cadenzas in his unique, versatile style.
Mr. Burrs is also an outstanding pedagogue. I’ve heard him communicate well to elementary school students, high school students and to college students. At the College of Marin he was a guest lecturer to music majors and minors as part of his residency with the Marin Symphony. He was an engaging speaker - knowledgeable, humorous and impassioned."
Gary Sheldon, Principal Guest Conductor for San Francisco Ballet
Artistic Director and Conductor of the Lancaster Festival in Ohio
“Leslie Burrs’ display of bravura flute playing yesterday confirmed the advance reports of his solo virtuosity. But his ensemble compositions provided the real excitement, indicating that the opera he is working on for Opera/Columbus may blow the roof off the Palace Theatre.”
The Columbus Dispatch
"The second half of the program featured flutist Leslie Savoy Burrs in five of his own compositions, soundscapes that incorporated elements of classical music and jazz, as well as African idioms... Along with his own drummer, bassist and pianist, Burrs and the orchestra soared through harmonically interesting and rhythmically charged selections... Through it all, Burrs was the consummate artist, exuding melody as he led the 1200 in attendance on a gleeful walk with the spirits.”
Richmond Times Dispatch
"Guest soloist Leslie Burrs played an engaging group of his own evocative light jazz pieces, showing dazzling fluency on a variety of wooden and metal flutes.”
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution
"Leslie Burrs opened the concert with a bamboo flute improvisation that elegantly combined elements of Blues and Spirituals... Among the more lyrical and moving performances was Burr’s composition, Mill Mountain.”
Washington Post
"Flutist Leslie Burrs is a whirlwind improviser and composer.”
Buffalo News
"He kept his audience entranced with spectacular improvisations.
The Evening Post, Charleston, South Carolina
"Burrs was the master of his music... this is the music of an accomplished craftsman."
News&Courier, Charleston, South Carolina
"His impeccable musicianship is supplemented by a warm, sincere, humanistic approach to the Arts that touches people of all ages and musical interests.”
Chattanooga Times