Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen with the NSO

National Symphony Orchestra

Friday, April 26, 2024 @ 8:00pm – 10:00pm (EDT)

Concert Hall at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC, United States

$69-$109 ($49-$109 wheelchair/companion)

Madison Cunningham, voice
Ben Folds, voice
Bill Frisell, guitar
Don Henley, voice
Gregory Porter, voice
JD Souther, voice
Susan Tedeschi, voice
Derek Trucks, voice
Immanuel Wilkins, alto saxophone
Scott Colley, double bass
Greg Leisz, pedal steel guitar
Kendrick Scott, drums
Paul Cornish, piano
Vince Mendoza, conductor

Leonard Cohen — Selected works (arr. Vince Mendoza)

Travel through the world of Leonard Cohen's songs with an extraordinary ensemble of legends and luminaries including Madison Cunningham, Ben Folds, Bill Frisell, Don Henley, Gregory Porter, JD Souther, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, and Trisha Yearwood. Backed by the raw power of the National Symphony Orchestra, this unforgettable concert will be masterfully conducted by seven-time Grammy–winning sensation Vince Mendoza.

This once-in-a-lifetime tribute will explore the timeless music and poetry of Leonard Cohen—including the hauntingly beautiful Suzanne, the transcendent Hallelujah, and the Famous Blue Raincoat. The must-see event is brought to life through the genius of four-time Grammy Award–winning producer and close friend of Leonard Cohen, Larry Klein, whose acclaimed tribute album Here It Is inspired this concert. On the album's creation, Larry says "it helped keep him in the air around me… the musical language we developed together makes the songs connect with people in a new way."

Join us in celebrating Leonard Cohen's enduring spirit and musical legacy as we fill the Concert Hall with the love we share of his songs.

Performances on Apr. 26 & 27.

Please be advised that this performance will be recorded for future broadcast. Some patrons may experience temporary sightline disruptions due to a roving camera crew.

About Immanuel Wilkins, alto saxophone

Immanuel Wilkins is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader from the greater Philadelphia-area. While growing up, he honed his skills in the church and studied in programs dedicated to teaching jazz music like the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. Moving to New York in 2015, Wilkins proceeded to earn his bachelor’s degree in Music at Juilliard (studying with the saxophonists Bruce Williams and the late Joe Temperley) while simultaneously establishing himself as an in-demand sideman, touring in Japan, Europe, South America, The United Arab Emirates, and the United States and working and/or recording with artists like Jason Moran, the Count Basie Orchestra, Delfeayo Marsalis, Joel Ross, Aaron Parks, Gerald Clayton, Gretchen Parlato, Lalah Hathaway, Solange Knowles, Bob Dylan, and Wynton Marsalis to name just a few. It was also during this same period that he formed his quartet featuring his long-time bandmates: Micah Thomas (piano), Daryl Johns (bass), and Kweku Sumbry (drums).

http://www.immanuelwilkins.com/

About Scott Colley, double bass

https://scottcolley.com/

About Greg Leisz, pedal steel guitar

Gregory Brian Leisz is an American musician. He is a songwriter, recording artist, and producer. He plays guitar, dobro, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, and pedal steel guitar.