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Calendar has an in-depth look at upcoming performances from Orlando Philharmonic and the Bach Festival Society that focus on black voices and composers. Also, author David Baldacci talks literacy ahead of his appearance at Orlando Public Library. Plus, check out quirky ice cream options, movie reviews and more.
Ella Fitzgerald’s voice won over a nation.
Born in 1917, the woman who would become a legendary singer overcame a tough start and discrimination throughout her career. In her lifetime, Fitzgerald won 13 Grammy awards and sold more than 40 million albums. President Ronald Reagan presented her with the National Medal of Arts in 1987. She performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall 26 times, and when she died in 1996, Fitzgerald left a legacy of more than 200 albums.
On Saturday, the Orlando Philharmonic salutes the “First Lady of Song” with “A Tribute to Ella!”
The concert, part of the Philharmonic’s pops series and conducted by Larry Blank, will hon-
or her through songs of her era — including “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “Sing, Sing, Sing” and “Over the Rainbow.” Guest vocalists are Capathia Jenkins, Harolyn Blackwell and Aisha de Haas. All three have extensive credits on Broadway and in other musical theater, as well as with major opera companies and orchestras.
We asked the vocalists five questions about the concert and the remarkable woman it honors.
What was your first experience hearing Ella Fitzgerald? de Haas:
My uncle, Andy Bey, is a jazz singer and pianist. The first time I recall hearing Ella, I thought, “This lady sings like Uncle Andy.” I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. At the time, I hadn’t heard a woman who could scat like that.
Jenkins: I couldn’t get enough of her … this was a talent that had to be a gift from God.
What does Ella’s style say to you? Blackwell:
For me, her style is about making the text and the music honest, direct and simple.
Jenkins: Her style is elegance and class mixed with excellence and sass.
Why do you think Ella continues to resonate with audiences? de Haas:
People love the honesty and joy she brings to the music.
Jenkins: She sang and recorded the great American songbook like no one else.
What’s it like sharing the stage with these other singers? Blackwell:
I love to collaborate with other singers because it makes me a better singer and artist.
Jenkins: We joke about how it takes three of us to try to fully pay tribute to the “First Lady of Song.”
Which is your favorite song in the concert? Blackwell:
“Summertime” has a special meaning to me because I performed it on the Grammy awards when our production of “Porgy and Bess” from the Glyndebourne Festival was nominated for best opera recording.
Jenkins: If I have to choose one, it would be “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” because Ella was inspired by an old nursery rhyme and together with an arranger they came up with this very fun arrangement. It’s got this samba beat that is just infectious.
de Haas: Every song I sing is my favorite while I’m singing it because in that moment there’s no place I’d rather be.