Professor Ted Piltzecker To Perform at Kennedy Center

Ted Piltzecker will play the vibraphone at a world premiere concert of a jazz piece for organ commissioned by the American Guild of Organists on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 4 PM.  The work called “La Petite Sweet” was created by organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos, former Organist of the world’s largest gothic cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC from 1990-2003, (the only woman ever appointed to the post).  It was at the Cathedral where Ted and Dorothy first collaborated as performers—playing duets during Sunday service, and also in grand Christmas extravaganzas.  Dorothy has worked extensively with the Paul Winter Consort, and Ted has toured the world with the George Shearing Quintet. Both have released several critically acclaimed albums, and both are considered masters of their respective instruments.

This is the first time a jazz organ work has been commissioned for this combination of instruments (bass, drums, trumpet/flugelhorn, vibraphone and concert organ).  Ms. Papadakos calls the piece “a tribute to Duke Ellington that also pays homage to the organ’s long tradition and history in France, particularly in improvisation.” Over 4,000 organists from all over the world will attend the convention in Washington, D.C.

Chair of the Studio Composition Department at Purchase, Ted has always had an interest in exploring non-traditional settings for his vibraphone and for his own compositions.  Along with jazz bands and classical chamber ensembles, he has composed for and toured with Japanese Taiko groups, gadulka (Bulgarian violin) players, and has just returned from Argentina where he performed his works with bandoneon masters, the instrument of the tango.  Ted has also just completed a jazz album where he collaborated with Purchase graduate students.