Nelson University hosts world-renowned Duke Ellington Orchestra
Nancy Lane, Content Strategist
Nelson University
For Immediate Release
WAXAHACHIE, Texas — September 18, 2025 — Nelson University welcomes the world-renowned Duke Ellington Orchestra on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in the Shaeffer Center. The Waxahachie Symphony Association has partnered with Nelson University to bring this performance to our community, and we are honored to host such a landmark event on our campus.
As a talented pianist and one of the most celebrated performers of the 20th century, Duke Ellington transformed the landscape of American music. His orchestra became a symbol of cultural reflection and social progress.
“Duke Ellington is one of America’s greatest composers and his orchestra is the idiom he chose to use to write about culture, life, and wonders of this world,” says Dr. Tyrone Block, Dean of the College of Music and Communication Arts at Nelson University, and a distinguished member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
No big band has produced more classic arrangements than the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Founded in 1923, the ensemble remained under Ellington’s leadership until his death in 1974. For generations, the orchestra has preserved Ellington’s music with authenticity while infusing each performance with fresh energy, elegance, and soul. To experience them live is to encounter the very heart of jazz and the timeless brilliance of a true American art form.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Waxahachie Symphony Association for bringing this extraordinary opportunity to our community. Hosting such a distinguished ensemble at Nelson University is both an honor and a celebration.
Join us for an evening of music you won’t soon forget. Get Tickets Here
About Nelson UniversityNelson University is a private Christian university located just 30 minutes south of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas. Founded in 1927, the university offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees, both on campus and online. Committed to integrating faith and learning, Nelson prepares students to fulfill their God-given callings in a Spirit-empowered community. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or call 1-888-937-7248.