A Journey Through Jazz

Musicologist, music theorist and award winning professor, Gil Harel, PhD will join us for a musically enhanced visual presentation on jazz.

Perhaps no period in the history of jazz witnessed as much rapid change and stylistic evolution as the era following World War II. As the large swing orchestras of the 1930s disappeared, they were replaced with smaller ensembles playing hard-driving, virtuosic, and eventually quasi-minimalist music that polarized some fans and sparked fierce debates on the future of jazz. Professor Harel will focus on three individuals: Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and John Coltrane, exploring their musical styles, contributions, and legacies as three of jazz’s most storied figures.

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from classical repertoire to jazz and popular music, as well as opera, medieval, and renaissance music. Previously, he has served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College, where he was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching”, as well as the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. Currently, he teaches at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he was recently presented with the coveted “Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College.” At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions. His commitment to community-oriented lecturing spans many years. He has been hosted as a featured speaker at many learning-oriented events in Connecticut, New York, as well as Massachusetts. Outside of teaching, he enjoys staying active as a pianist and vocalist.