For the momentous return of one of Houston's great musical talents, the celebration of innovative pianist Jason Moran and his residency with Da Camera provided patrons with a night of musical inspiration, H-Town culinary thrills and a mighty welcome.
Da Camera's Sarah Rothenberg spoke about Moran's multimedia world premiere,The Rauschenberg Project, at the Wortham Theater Center on Feb. 7.
The MacArthur Foundation Fellow has begun his multi-year Homecoming residency during which his tasks are to create a new work, to engage the community and to enhance educational opportunities, particularly in the Third and Fourth Wards.
His arrival was celebrated over dinner at the Boulevard Oaks home of Carolyn and Paul Landen.
Da Camera artistic and general director Sarah Rothenberg introduced Moran to the gathering and spoke briefly about Moran's multimedia world premiere, The Rauschenberg Project, at the Wortham Theater Center on Feb. 7. On the Da Camera website, she describes the project, "inspired by the art and ideas of Robert Rauschenberg, commissioned by Da Camera, and bringing together Jason Moran, his celebrated trio The Bandwagon, and Houston jazz musicians for the world premiere . . . "
It's a big year for Moran, who in May was named artistic director of jazz at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The young talent started playing piano in hometown Houston at the age of 6 and later honed his musical skills at the Manhattan School of Music in New York.
In keeping with the homecoming theme, Jackson and Co. provided a down-home dinner highlighted by seafood gumbo. Among those digging in were Annette and Arthur Bracey, Mimi and Robert Del Grande, Elaine and Marvy Finger, Robin Angly and Miles Smith, Page Kempner, Robert Azencott and Da Camera board president Chinhui Allen and Eddie Allen.
Paul and Carolyn Landen, from left, Jason Moran and Sarah Rothenberg.
