Wynton Marsalis

Wynton Marsalis leads his ensemble in a milestone season. At the conclusion of the 2026–2027 season, nearly 40 years after founding Jazz at Lincoln Center, Marsalis will step down as Artistic Director and as Music Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra — making this a must-see performance in his legendary tenure. Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis leads the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, featuring over a dozen of today’s finest jazz soloists and ensemble players who perform the music of the great jazz composers as well as original works that foster an appreciation for this American music genre. Wynton Marsalis has been described as the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation, as one of the world’s top classical trumpeters, as a big band leader in the tradition of Duke Ellington, a brilliant composer, a devoted advocate for the Arts and a tireless and inspiring educator. He carries these distinctions well. His life is a portrait of discipline, dedication, sacrifice, and creative accomplishment. The sound of Wynton Marsalis’ band is inspired by the basic principals of democracy. According to Marsalis, what you hear in a great jazz band is the sound of democracy. “The jazz band works best when participation is shaped by intelligent communication.” This intelligent, hard swinging interplay has made Marsalis’ bands the favorite among jazz musicians and audiences worldwide. In the smallest of towns Wynton is received warmly and enthusiastically. The connection is the music, which mimics our valued way of life. Through jazz music Wynton Marsalis represents America all over the world. In such disparate locations from Prague to Warsaw, Seoul to Wellington, Paris to Istanbul, Santiago to Mexico City, Toronto to Calgary, Amarillo to Portland - you will find Wynton Marsalis sharing his vision of the union of jazz and democracy. Wynton was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 18, 1961 to Ellis and Dolores Marsalis. He was the second