Billy Strayhorn Suite Tickets

Explore the Billy Strayhorn Suite, a compelling project led by pianist, composer, and advocate Lara Downes. Built around three expressing Strayhorn songs—A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing, Strange Feeling, and Something To Live For—the suite features new orchestration by Chris Walden and spotlights Strayhorn’s influential voice within the Ellington legacy. Since its first performances with the Boston Pops and the Philadelphia Orchestra in Summer 2022, the suite has framed Downes’s mission to broaden American music by highlighting underrepresented composers and cross-genre influences. The project continues to evolve through live performances, recordings, and commissions that connect audiences with Strayhorn’s enduring artistry.

We’ve got you covered for reliable, easy access to tickets and information—secure your seats to the latest Billy Strayhorn Suite performances and tour stops as they’re announced.

Biography
Built around Lara Downes’s interpretation of Billy Strayhorn’s expressive songs, the Billy Strayhorn Suite places the pianist and composer within the broader Ellington legacy. Downes collaborates with renowned arranger Chris Walden to craft contemporary orchestral textures that honor Strayhorn’s sophisticated melodic language while bridging jazz, classical, and crossover audiences. The project aligns with Downes’s broader artistic focus on promoting American music through thoughtful programming and commissions.

Discography Highlights
While the Billy Strayhorn Suite project itself marks a dedicated performance series, Downes’s discography features acclaimed titles on Pentatone and Rising Sun Records, including This Land and Love At Last. The ensemble’s performances frequently inspire new recordings and collaborations that expand Strayhorn’s presence beyond standard jazz repertoire.

Upcoming Tours & Venues
The suite has been presented by high-profile arts organizations such as Kelly Strayhorn Theater (Pittsburgh) and OnStage Pittsburgh, with 2025 plans continuing the annual Suite Life tradition, including a November 29, 2025 engagement at Kelly Strayhorn Theater—this edition featuring a VIP pre-show and concert. Details are announced through official channels and city event listings (Visit Pittsburgh, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, OnStage Pittsburgh).

How to catch a show
Tickets and tour info are released through Lara Downes’s official channels, artist pages, Bandcamp, YouTube, and partner venues. Bookmark the official social profiles for the latest schedules, streaming releases, and behind-the-scenes content.