Hailing from Nigeria and now making waves in the vibrant music scene of New York City, Chidiebere Joseph Emmanuel is a percussionist whose beats resonate with cultural depth and artistic finesse. Under the tutelage of two esteemed Nigerian jazz icons, drummer Adewale Adeyemi, and bass player Bright Gain, Emmanuel honed his craft, gracing stages including the prestigious Lagos International Jazz Festival.
Emmanuel’s musical journey led him to Idaho State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music, broadening his horizons and enriching his repertoire. Immersed in the dynamic arts community, he served on the Board of the Pocatello Arts Council, nurturing his passion for both performance and advocacy.
After deepening his understanding of jazz at New York University, where he earned a Master of Music degree in jazz studies under the mentorship of acclaimed drummer Ari Hoenig, Emmanuel continues to blend traditional rhythms with contemporary flair in every performance.
Chidiebere Emmanuel is proudly sponsored by Canopus Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Salyers Percussion Drumsticks.
Chidiebere Joseph Emmanuel, drums
Warren Louis, bass
Daniel Gonzalez, guitar
Join the Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra as we present Echoes and discover how music that tells the stories of our past affects our present and future.
Program:
- Valerie Coleman: Tzigane
- Emmy Wegener: Suite for String Trio
- Bohuslav Martinů: Nonet
- Antonin Dvorak: String Quintet No. 2, op. 77
The stories that we make and share echo throughout time; our past affects our present and future. Our exploration of musical heritage continues with Echoes, where we look at chamber music by composers past and present from around the world.
The past and present interweave with Washington Heights composer Valerie Coleman’s Tzigane for woodwind quintet. Inspired by the work by Maurice Ravel of the same name, Coleman’s Tzigane is a present-day showpiece full of virtuosity and passion for the wind players of the WHCO. Moving back to the early twentieth century, Dutch composer Emmy Wegener’s Suite for String Trio is a rarely heard work, lush and sparkling as a set of miniatures. We continue our look to the past with Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů’s Nonet. Combining both string and wind players, the Nonet is a vibrant celebration of life in three movements. We conclude the program with Dvorak’s String Quintet No. 2, Op. 77. Written for a competition in Prague with the dedication “to my nation,” he weaves his Bohemian nationalism throughout the work.
Prior to the concert, at 2:15pm, bring the whole family to our “Meet the Instruments” petting zoo where even our youngest listeners can get up close and personal with their favorite instruments before seeing them come alive onstage. This event will take place (weather permitting) in the beautiful setting of the Fort Washington Green, the community garden space at FWCC.
And finally, join the musicians of WHCO after the concert for a reception!
On Sunday, October 27 at 5:30pm St. Frances Cabrini Shrine will host a concert of medieval chant featuring Ruth Cunningham. Ruth is a world-class musician and an uptown treasure. Suggested donation is $20 adults, $10 seniors and students.
