The Duke Ellington Orchestra Plays in Paris

Legendary composer, pianist and bandleader Duke Ellington was one of the most prolific musicians of the 20th century and had a long and illustrious career which spanned more than 50 years. As one of the most influential figures in jazz, he led one of the most famous orchestras ever assembled and its members were (and in some cases still are) considered to be the crème de la crème of jazz musicians.

Even 40 years after Ellington’s death, and almost 90 years after its formation, his famed orchestra lives on, with new members to carry the torch. Ellington’s son Mercer eventually took the reins of the orchestra and today it is Duke’s grandson, Paul, who leads the band. In doing so, Paul is preserving a musical heritage, for players and audiences alike, passing it down from generation to generation.

Such an iconic jazz pedigree needs an equally prestigious venue to perform in. The sumptuous Grand Rex, in the bustling Grands Boulevards neighbourhood, fits the bill perfectly. With its magnificent ‘starry’ ceiling and whimsical décor, the theatre is one of the most beautiful examples of art deco architecture in the French capital.