Art Ensemble of Chicago

The Art Ensemble of Chicago—formed in 1965 by musicians and composers Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, Malachi Favors Maghostut, Roscoe Mitchell, and Famoudou Don Moye—is celebrated for integrating music styles that span the history of jazz and multi-instrumental group improvisations. While the group’s membership has changed several times over the past 54 years, its focus on combining jazz, European art music, and African folk styles has been a constant. Their creative intent, expressed by the slogans “Great Black Music” and “Ancient to the Future” has also remained the same. 
 
Throughout decades of performances, the ensemble has also released over 70 recordings of live shows and studio sessions, videos, and DVDs. The members have explored the use of unique sounds and percussion, pairing them with their principal instruments. 
 
During this live performance, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the group’s creative pairing of original compositions with elaborate costumes, poetry, dance, and more. (75 mins.)

The Art Ensemble scored Sarah Maldoror's first film, Monangambeee; she approached them after hearing them play in Paris. According to the UCLA Library Film & Television Archive, “The film’s anti-colonialist spirit inspired the avant-garde jazz group…to offer their arresting score free of charge.” Learn more about the film and Maldoror's long and influential career in the exhibition Sarah Maldoror: Tricontinental Cinema, on view at the Wexner Center through April 28.

See the entire performing arts spring 2024 lineup.