Ella Fitzgerald. 100 lat!

The first lady of the world jazz vocalism. Her voice spanned three octaves. She could shatter glass with the power of her voice. She received 13 Grammies and sold over 40 million records. She talked about herself modestly: “I sing it like I feel it”. The Szczecin Philharmonic will pay a musical tribute to Ella Fitzgerald on the 100th anniversary of her birth.

This brightest star of 20th century jazz music appeared unexpectedly. During a young talent show on 21st November 1934 at the Apollo Theatre, the 17-year-old Ella wanted to dance. When she had realized that she would have to compete against the semi-professional duet the Edwards Sisters, she decided instead to sing. She went onstage in a borrowed dress and male shoes. Though having won conclusively, she never received the main prize i.e. a right to paid performances in the club.

The manager of the Apollo Theatre didn't want her to ruin his image. The young Ella didn't give up though. This is how the star was born, going on to perform with the most outstanding jazz musicians: Louis Armstrong, Cole Porter, Oscar Peterson and others.

Faultless enunciation and the unique clarity of her voice were the characteristic features of her sound. Fitzgerald's interpretations are mainly swing, elegance and virtuosity. In one of the interviews she said: “When I see my audience, and everyone seems to be full of love and warmth, I am over the moon. When I work, I feel like a different person from the one I am on an everyday basis”. The spirit of Ella Fitzgerald will be summoned by the vocals of three talented vocalists: Joanna Knitter, Jola Szczepaniak and Magdalena Wilento, who will be accompanied by the Jan Konop Big Band.