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Very few musicians have found a way into our hearts and homes during the holiday season like Vince Guaraldi with his classic charts from A Charlie Brown Christmas, and in this tribute concert, the Isaiah J. Thompson Quartet reminds us what this special music means at this special time of year. An artist who aims to spread love, spirit, and respect, Thompson has won acclaim throughout the jazz world, including the 2023 American Piano Award, and recently released his debut album The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry. Come out, sit back, and enjoy cool jazz classics sure to lift up the spirit this holiday.
About the Artist
Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson is originally from West Orange, New Jersey. He began studying with pianist Alla Epelbaum at The Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula from an early age and soon after enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens. He later was admitted to The Juilliard School where he graduated with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degrees and went on to further his education in Theology and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Isaiah joined the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019 and has performed with other major artists such as, Christian McBride, Steve Turre, Catherine Russell and Buster Williams. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released multiple recordings as a leader.
Thompson worked on the Golden Globe nominated soundtrack for the film Motherless Brooklyn, was named a Steinway Artist and has been awarded other accolades including, the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Competition. In 2023 he was named the winner of the American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz and in 2024 Thompson joined the Jazz Studies Faculty at The Juilliard School.
As a jazz musician and performer, Isaiah aims to emit love, spirit and respect and convey his personal experiences and passion for the music through his artistry.
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Single ticket pricing (starting June 1):
- UW–Madison Students: $15
- General Public: $72
- Wisconsin Union Members: $66
- Student (any): $20
- Youth (17 and under): $20
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Presented by:
Programmed By:
WUD Performing Arts Committee
performingarts@union.wisc.edu
With support from:
National Endowment for the Arts
