“Sweet Synergy Suite” photos courtesy of Michael Oletta & Ken Medel.
“Nightfall” a composition from “Sweet Synergy Suite”
Tom Harrell trumpet, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola / Jazz at Lincoln Center
Thirteen years ago Charles was a guest performer for ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’ world premier work “Jazz in Motion”. Wynton Marsalis’ composition “Welcome” was set in motion by Peter Martin’s choreography, Charles’ live performance on stage, and a soloist from the New York City Ballet. The combination of being involved in this unique performance, and watching his own dancer daughter (Camille McPherson) train and become a professional dancer with the San Diego Ballet, led the inspiration to compose music for his own ballet. San Diego Foundations ‘Creative Catalyst Grant’, and collaboration with San Diego Ballet Artistic Director Javier Velasco, brought this idea to realization in 2013. The world premier of the full ballet was performed in San Diego by the San Diego Ballet in February 2015, and will once again be part of their 2017 season May 2017, along with a new chamber work for strings.
We offer ‘Sweet Synergy Suite’ in several formats to audiences in the U.S. and abroad. Please contact us for touring information.
San Diego Reader – Sweet Suite (January 21, 2015)
San Diego Union-Tribune – Promo for ‘Sweet Synergy Suite’ (February 1, 2015)
San Diego Union-Tribune – McPhersons team up for dance ‘Suite’ (February 4, 2015)
San Diego Union-Tribune – Sweet Family Reunion (February 5 , 2015)
Premier at the Lyceum Theatre (February 2015)
San Diego Ballet / choreography by Javier Velasco
Edited by Manny Ceniceros
Promo video recorded during the ‘Workshop Performance.’
“San Diego’s Jazz 88.3 has been looking for an opportunity to video-stream a presentation, world-wide. Charles McPherson’s Sweet Synergy Suite provided such an opportunity as the sold-out theater was treated to a Charles McPherson concert followed by the magical combination of the McPherson-composed ballet suite and the accompanying ballet presentation of the San Diego Ballet Company. The visually stunning performance was beautifully matched to the exceptional jazz performed by the McPherson-led sextet. It made for an exhilarating presentation for the theater audience and the live, 4-camera video production received multiple expressions of delight from viewers/listeners around the globe.”
Mark A. DeBoskey
Station Manager
KSDS Radio – Jazz 88.3