The Duke Ellington Orchestra is currently led by the third generation of the Ellington family. Its founder, the legendary Duke Ellington, is regarded as one of the most prolific American composers of the 20th century and a pivotal figure in the history of jazz. He founded the orchestra in 1923 and first rose to prominence through performances at the iconic Cotton Club in Harlem. The orchestra’s true international breakthrough came in 1956 with a landmark performance at the Newport Jazz Festival, which catapulted them to global fame.
Over the course of more than five decades, Ellington toured extensively with his ensemble across Europe, North and South America, and Asia. He left a lasting mark on American music with his innovative and charismatic approach to orchestration and jazz composition. His musical legacy comprises more than a thousand compositions—the largest output of any jazz composer—including orchestral works, film scores, and musicals. Many of his pieces have become jazz standards.
Following Ellington’s death, the orchestra was taken over by his son, Mercer Ellington, who continued his father’s legacy while also composing for the orchestra. After Mercer’s death in 1996, leadership passed to his son Paul Ellington, who still conducts the orchestra today. Paul grew up in Denmark before moving to the United States, where he studied at the Manhattan School of Music under pianist Peter Vinograd and later Tommy James. He made his debut as a composer at Lincoln Center, where he received a standing ovation.
