The eclectic "little orchestra" Pink Martini will return to Chicago on March 25 to play the Symphony Center for a "Spring Fling" event sure to please jazz and pop fans of all ages.
Bandleader Thomas Lauderdale and singer China Forbes will drive the 11-piece ensemble amongst their unique blend of classical crossover and lounge music that Pink Martini fans have to come expect for more than 20 years.
Started by Lauderdale in 1994, Pink Martini is living proof that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Known for collaborating with artists such as Rufus Wainwright and the von Trapps, the troupe's latest release (2013's Get Happy) even featured appearances from Phyllis Diller and Meow Meow. Speaking to Chicago's GoPride, Mr. Lauderdale emphasized the point of consorting with other diverse performers:
"It's possible to work with anybody. I like collaborating with people who are entirely different. The message of Pink Martini is one of empathy and compassion and finding ways of bringing people who are very different together and unite them through music; which is also the message of the von Trapps."
Even after two decades, Lauderdale and the entire Pink Martini collective remain grateful for their opportunity to collaborate, perform and inspire. A veteran of playing Chicago (and the Symphony Center), the pianist and conductor is thankful to be able to bring his life's passion to the stage. As he told San Jose Jazz, he often marvels at the stupendousness of his occupation:
"[W]hen I think about how lucky all of us are to have this almost preposterous, implausible sort of vehicle to be able run around and actually make a living -- to play this kind of music with ten to twelve full time musicians -- it just seems incredible."
If you're in the Chicagoland area later this month, be sure to catch this exciting performance from Pink Martini. Tickets are available from the Chicago Symphony Center Box Office. The event will also feature a CD-signing session with the band after their performance.
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