Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Professor Cyrus Chestnut Named 2026 Giants of Jazz Honoree
By Chad Eric Smith, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts
Acclaimed jazz pianist and Howard University Professor of Piano Cyrus Chestnut will be honored at the South Orange Performing Arts Center's (SOPAC) annual Giants of Jazz celebration on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in South Orange, New Jersey.
Widely regarded as one of the finest jazz pianists of his generation, Chestnut is celebrated for his distinctive musical style, which blends gospel, classical music, and straight-ahead jazz. Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed alongside legendary artists including Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, Betty Carter, Aretha Franklin, and Freddie Hubbard.
A Steinway Artist and accomplished educator, Chestnut brings decades of performance, recording, and teaching experience to Howard University's Department of Music within the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Curated by Grammy Award-winning producer and bassist John Lee, Giants of Jazz brings together acclaimed musicians for an evening of improvisation, collaboration, and celebration of jazz's enduring legacy.
Event Details: Saturday, November 28, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | South Orange Performing Arts Center, South Orange, NJ. Tickets and VIP packages are available through SOPAC.