The Friends of The Sheldon present Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis featuring Naseer Shamma, oud in a concert benefitting Sheldon Educational Programs, which, in the 2021-2022 season served over 70,000 St. Louis area students. Wynton Marsalis has invited the revered Iraqi oud virtuoso, composer, educator, musicologist and UNESCO Artist for Peace Naseer Shamma on tour for the world premiere performances of a new collaboration, Middle East Meditations, and will feature new works arranged by Marsalis, Shamma and JLCO members.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) comprises 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today. Under Music Director Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs a vast repertoire, from rare historic compositions to Jazz at Lincoln Center-commissioned works, including compositions and arrangements by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Benny Goodman, and many others.

JLCO and Wynton Marsalis will be joined by internationally renowned musician and humanitarian, Naseer Shamma. Known for being one of the world’s greatest oud (an ancient Middle Eastern stringed instrument) virtuosos, he has also received numerous awards for his contributions to promoting and advancing the oud and Arabic music all over the world.