It’s somewhat of an understatement to say that jazz fiends might just be a little excited to hear that the American jazz pianist and composer Armand Antonio aka “Chick” Corea will be performing at this year’s festival. The several times Grammy award winner rose to fame thanks to his collaboration with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett. And as a frequent and key figure in a whole host of major concert and recording projects, he has helped develop a range of musical styles, also contributing to the soaring expansion of the electronic jazz wave in the 60s.

His father, a renowned jazz trumpeter and bigband bandmaster based in Boston, first sat him at a grand piano at the tender age of four. As such Chick had the opportunity to absorb the secrets of bebop under the influence of stars such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Lester Young. When he took up the drums at the age of eight, it was to leave a mark on his piano style forever, seeing him incorporate similar features as those employed for percussion.

Chick Corea is known as a living legend not only for his numerous awards and honorary doctorates at several universities, but perhaps best of all for his huge contribution to jazz as a genre. That we are at all able to bring you this interesting event is, in part, down to the wonderful Steven Mercurio. And we’re delighted to announce that he will be conducting the Czech National Symphony Orchestra along with the star trio during this exceptional evening.

More about Prague Proms: The Chick Corea Akoustic Band Event www