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Symphonies in Black: Duke Ellington Shorts (PG*) + Introduction

Jazz on Screen

,Cinema 3
A woman dances on a stage in front of a jazz band.

Join us at the Barbican for a special screening event featuring 11 captivating short films that highlight the extraordinary musical legacy of Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. 

Spanning nearly a quarter of a century (1929-1953), these films showcase Ellington’s performances in a variety of settings, often accompanied by dancers and singers, including the legendary Billie Holiday in Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life. 

This particular film fluidly transitions between Ellington composing in solitude, leading his band in a tuxedo at a concert, and artistic depictions of African American life, including a moving sequence with Billie Holiday portraying heartbreak similar to Bessie Smith's iconic film appearance six years prior.

Introduced by Ehsan Khoshbakht. 

Tagged with: Cinema Jazz on Screen 2024 EFG London Jazz Festival 2024

Programme Notes

Black and Tan 19' / USA, 1929

A Bundle of Blues 10' / USA, 1933

Symphony in Black 10' / USA, 1935

Jam Session 3' / USA, 1942

Hot Chocolate (“Cottontail”) 3' / USA, 1942

Caravan 4' / USA, 1952

Mood Indigo 4' / USA, 1952

Sophisticated Lady 4' / USA, 1952

Solitude 4' / USA, 1952

Salute to Duke Ellington 15' / USA, 1950 

Daybreak Express 5' / USA, 1953

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.