West Chester University’s 35th Annual Jazz Festival Premieres New Work by Grammy Award-Winning
Composer Billy Childs
Saxophonist and Jazz Legend Steve Wilson to Perform in Multiple Concerts Throughout the Festival
WEST CHESTER, Pa. — If you’re looking for vibrant live jazz in a picturesque suburban setting, the Wells School of Music at West Chester University (WCU) invites you to take a seat. Now in its 35th year, the WCU Jazz Festival delivers world-class entertainment from March 19 – 22, 2025, with most performances being FREE and open to the public. All events are held at the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. Full program details and ticket information for select events are available at www.wcupa.edu/jazzfest and www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
The festival's highlight is the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by six-time Grammy Award-winning composer Billy Childs. This new concerto for alto saxophone and wind ensemble, the result of a multi-year commission consortium led by WCU alongside over ten universities, will be performed by jazz legend Steve Wilson with WCU's Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Andrew Yozviak.
About Billy Childs
Billy Childs is celebrated as one of America’s premier composers, blending jazz, classical, and popular music influences. A Los Angeles native, Childs was a piano prodigy who began public performances at age six. He graduated from the USC Community School of the Performing Arts and quickly became a sought-after performer in the L.A. jazz scene, collaborating with icons like J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, and Wynton Marsalis. With 13 Grammy nominations and six wins, Childs' accolades include a Chamber Music America Composer’s Grant, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. His diverse career spans performances with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, Renee Fleming, Chick Corea, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
About Steve Wilson
Steve Wilson is renowned as one of the finest saxophonists of his generation. Lauded by Jazz Times as “the consummate saxophonist-composer,” Wilson has played on over 100 recordings with artists like Chick Corea, George Duke, Maria Schneider, and Billy Childs. A bandleader in his own right, Wilson brings a wealth of experience and artistry to every performance, making him a perfect fit for this year’s festival centerpiece.
On Saturday, regional high school jazz ensembles will also perform, receive feedback, and participate in masterclasses with WCU faculty. Tickets for this event are available at www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
Festival Schedule:
Wednesday, March 19
- 12 p.m. — Student Showcase (FREE)
- A student-led ensemble kicks off the festival with a performance; ensemble members are selected through a competitive audition process.
- 7:30 p.m. — WCU Faculty Jazz Group (FREE)
- WCU faculty perform an evening of jazz standards and original compositions.
Thursday, March 20
- 12 p.m. — Steve Wilson and Gary Versace Duo Concert (FREE)
- An intimate performance featuring Grammy-nominated pianist Gary Versace.
- 7:30 p.m. — The Chamber World of Steve Wilson and Diane Monroe (FREE)
- Wilson collaborates with Philadelphia violinist Diane Monroe, WCU Symphony Orchestra, and WCU Chamber Orchestra in a program featuring works by Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and more.
Friday, March 21
- 12 p.m. — Management, the Road, Bookings, and More: A Special Interview with Steve Wilson & Laura Hartmann, founder of LVanHart Artist Productions (FREE)
- A conversation on career management and the jazz industry, moderated by WCU Director of Jazz Studies Jonathan Ragonese.
- 7:30 p.m. — Steve Wilson Meets WCU’s Criterions Jazz Ensemble (FREE)
- A big band concert traversing Wilson’s storied career, featuring music from Joe Henderson, Maria Schneider, Charles Mingus, Christian McBride, and more.
Saturday, March 22
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. High School Jazz Ensemble Showcase (Ticketed Event)
- High school bands perform, receive expert feedback, and join masterclasses.
- Tickets: $15 General | $8 Students | FREE for WCU students (includes evening performance)
- 5 p.m. — Festival Finale: Steve Wilson & WCU Wind Ensemble (Ticketed Event)
- World premiere of Billy Childs’s commissioned concerto for alto saxophone and wind ensemble.
- Tickets: $12 Adults | $6 Seniors & Students | FREE for WCU students