The Draughtsman’s Contract: Wynton Marsalis and Michael Nyman

Classic Michael Nyman film scores, and Wynton Marsalis’ superbly jazzy trumpet concerto, add up to an evening of sassy cool.

Opening with the call of a wild elephant – nature’s first trumpeter – jazz supremo Wynton Marsalis’ Trumpet Concerto is nothing less than a dizzying history of the instrument. Travelling through fanfares and ceremonial music, Louis Armstrong and New Orleans blues, Paris conservatoire-playing and Mexican flaring trumpet, its thirty-five minutes is a feat of classical and jazz, stamina and technical prowess for both soloist and orchestra. The fabulously gifted Nigerian-Scottish trumpeter Aaron Azunda Akugbo is the star of this multifaceted work, promising a performance of virtuosic fireworks and playfulness. And it needs seven different trumpet mutes! An absolute must.

In the second half, Brighton Philharmonic presents two classic film scores from one of Britain’s finest – and most multifaceted – living composers and writers, Michael Nyman. His translucent, alchemical suite from Peter Greenaway’s 1991 film Prospero’s Books complements four movements from his 1982 rollicking hit, The Draughtsman’s Contract: jazzy, punchy re-imaginings of Henry Purcell, sounding as fresh (and provocative) as the day they were written.

‘Aaron Azunda Akugbo served up a flute of sparkling champagne, the effervescent brilliance of his playing radiating through the outer movements.’ – Bachtrack

Save 20% when you book three concerts – or 25% when you book seven!*

*Brighton Dome concerts only, excluding Britten’s Serenade

Go behind the scenes of the Trumpet Concerto’s premiere in 2023:

Explore the music: