During the concert opening the 20th Jazztopad Festival, we will hear a constellation of American stars of improvised music in a repertoire including symphonic works by Wayne Shorter. In addition to the NFM Wrocław Philharmonic conducted by Clark Rundell, collaborators of the legendary saxophonist will play, without whom it would be hard to imagine the last twenty years of his work – Danilo Pérez and John Patitucci. esperanza spalding and Terri Lyne Carrington also worked closely with him, and they are behind the success of this year’s Grammy award-winning album featuring Wayne Shorter’s music. We will also hear the saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, who, like just a few people, knows what it means to face a legend and avoid stepping into the shoes of his predecessor.

Wayne Shorter was a genius. We were waiting for the jazz prophet’s fourth visit to Lower Silesia, and the inaugural concert of the Jazztopad Festival was supposed to be a joint celebration of his ninetieth birthday. Unfortunately, at the beginning of March it became clear that the fondly expected meeting in Wrocław had to turn into a great tribute to the late artist.

Everyone loves his phonographic achievements in their own way. There is no shortage of “total lovers” who treat every activity of Shorter (from the first recordings with Jazz Messengers to last year’s album Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival) with reverence. After all, Shorter’s long and fruitful career had many facets, and in recent years the artist devoted himself to symphonic music and creating great works of contemporary music – referencing the classics, but also giving space for improvisation. Improvisations was Wayne Sorter’s greatest passion. Although he is no longer with us, we can still discover his music, not only by going back to records from years ago, but also by participating in concerts. The one that will open the 20th Jazztopad Festival is a must for every fan of Shorter's music.