JEANS ‘N CLASSICS: THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN

MAY 10, 2025

7:00 PM

DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM

POTTER CENTER

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra, a live band presented by Jeans ‘n Classics, and a powerful choir come together to celebrate the greatest hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. From the iconic ‘Piano Man’ to the legendary ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,’ this concert will have you singing along and enjoying a magical evening of timeless hits. Arrangements by Jeans ‘n Classics.

JEANS ‘N CLASSICS

Jeans ‘n Classics has been bringing their impressive symphonic rock catalogue to symphony audiences for the past 2+ decades. A star performer in the arts and entertainment scene, this company of top players and vocalists tours year round to perform as special guests of symphonies across North America. Closer to home, they have their very own full symphony: the Jeans ’n Classics Rock Symphony. Most definitely not a tribute act, Jeans ‘n Classics faithfully interprets the music of legendary rock and pop albums and artists, with their own special and signature flair.

GUEST CONDUCTOR

Julia Tai

Praised by the Seattle Times as “poised yet passionate,” Taiwanese-American conductor Julia Tai is quickly becoming one of today’s most dynamic conductors on the international stage. Currently, she is the Music Director of Missoula Symphony Orchestra & Chorale, and the Co-Artistic Director of the Seattle Modern Orchestra. Her career has led to acclaimed performances and rehearsals with the American Youth Symphony, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic (Czech Republic), Boise Philharmonic, Brandenburger Symphoniker (Germany), Estonian National Youth Symphony (Estonia), Idaho Falls Symphony, Lexington Philharmonic, New Symphony Orchestra (Bulgaria), Orquesta Filarmónica de la UNAM (Mexico), Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil Charlos Chávez (Mexico), Philharmonia Northwest, and the Seattle Symphony.

Recognized as a prominent innovator of the contemporary music world, Maestra Tai is the conductor and Co-Artistic Director of the Seattle Modern Orchestra, which champions the music of today, commissioning and premiering new works from an international lineup of composers. The orchestra “operates at that exciting cusp between old and new, between tradition and innovation,” (Vanguard Seattle) and is where “the future is more likely to be found” (Alex Ross, The New Yorker). Tai has worked with legendary composers, performers, and ensembles such as Jonathan Harvey, Tristan Murail, Robert Aitken, Séverine Ballon, Claire Chase, Stephen Drury, Graeme Jennings, Garth Knox, Carol Robinson, Steven Schick, International Contemporary Ensemble and Ensemble Modern. Under her direction, Seattle Modern Orchestra is a grant recipient of NewMusicUSA, The Amphion Foundation, The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Washington State Arts Commission, 4Culture, and Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.

As a passionate music educator, Maestra Tai has established many education initiatives at the Missoula Symphony, including Symphony Kids, a free concert series designed for kids at the Missoula Public Library and its branches in Western Montana. The Student Night @Dress Rehearsal Series allows music students to observe rehearsals and peek behind the scenes at each concert. Its Youth & Family Concerts combine theater and music in a highly educational and entertaining format that attract thousands of students each year. Tai has served as a clinician for high school orchestra festivals and is a sought-after guest conductor for honor orchestras throughout the country.

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Jeans N’ Classics: The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John