About this event
This season marks the centennial of saxophonist and composer John Coltrane, who rose rapidly from unknown sideman in Dizzy Gillespie’s orchestra to rising star in Miles Davis’ quintet, master soloist with Thelonious Monk, and, ultimately, enlightened leader of his era-defining quartet. Today, he stands as one of the most celebrated figures in jazz. Born in North Carolina, Coltrane spent his teen years in Philadelphia alongside future greats like Benny Golson and Jimmy Heath—a city that continues to nurture young jazz talent today, including music director, drummer Justin Faulkner. As the volcanic heartbeat of the Branford Marsalis Quartet and leader of the Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra, Faulkner brings urgency, precision, and fire to Coltrane’s music while carrying forward the city’s storied tradition of cultivating the next generation of inspired jazz musicians.