Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Delights Iowa City Crowd

Wynton Marsalis and his renowned ensemble perform Duke Ellington-inspired program at Hancher Auditorium

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, delivered a spellbinding performance at the Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, exploring the African influences in Duke Ellington's compositions. The concert featured a mix of Ellington classics, Strayhorn tunes, and works by South African composers, showcasing the virtuosity of the 15-member ensemble.

Why it matters

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's performance at Hancher Auditorium highlights the enduring appeal of jazz music and the continued relevance of Duke Ellington's compositions, which drew inspiration from African cultures. The concert also underscores the orchestra's commitment to educating and expanding the global community for jazz through its performances and advocacy.

The details

The concert program, titled "Duke in Africa," featured Ellington's compositions inspired by African cultures, as well as works by his longtime collaborator Billy Strayhorn and South African composers Bheki Mseleku and Nduduzo Makhathini. The orchestra's performance showcased the virtuosity of its members, with standout solos from pianist Dan Nimmer, saxophonist Sherman Irby, and trombonist Chris Crenshaw, among others.

  • The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has performed at Hancher Auditorium more than a dozen times since 1992.
  • The concert took place on January 29, 2026.

The players

Wynton Marsalis

A renowned trumpeter, composer, and educator who founded the Jazz at Lincoln Center in 1987 and has served as its artistic director ever since.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

A big band full of top-tier musicians that performs under the auspices of the Jazz at Lincoln Center, an organization dedicated to entertaining, enriching, and expanding the global community for jazz.

Hancher Auditorium

A 1,800-seat performing arts venue located on the campus of the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Alexa Tarantino

A saxophonist who co-selected the concert program with fellow saxophonist Chris Lewis.

Chris Lewis

A saxophonist who co-selected the concert program with fellow saxophonist Alexa Tarantino.

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What they’re saying

“Fittingly, then, he began the concert by indicating that his role that evening was to be "just one of the trumpet players," with Tarantino and Lewis leading proceedings.”

— Wynton Marsalis (All About Jazz)

“Ryan Kisor, an Iowa native, who Lewis introduced as "one of the greatest living trumpet players, even though you may never see him step up to the front to solo.”

— Chris Lewis, Saxophonist (All About Jazz)

What’s next

Marsalis announced that he will step down as the artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2027, after 40 years in the role.

The takeaway

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra's performance in Iowa City showcased the enduring legacy of Duke Ellington's music and the ensemble's commitment to educating and expanding the global community for jazz. The concert's success highlights the continued appeal of live jazz performances, even in smaller markets like Iowa City.