Generous endowment ensures jazz concert
Among the many interests shared during their full lives, psychologists Mary Ellen and Tom Brigante loved jazz music. The two were regular attendees at Boston jazz clubs and Tom, who had begun his study of the trumpet as a boy, dreamed of becoming a professional trumpet player, later going on to learn the saxophone, cello and piano.
“It was clear,” Mary Ellen was quoted as saying, “that he always carried a little bit of jazz legends Harry James and Louis Armstrong in his heart.”
Jazz was such a significant part of the Brigantes’ life that, when their daughter Beth Higbee and her husband Ken approached the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) about the possibility of establishing an endowment in her parents’ names, she specified a portion of it should benefit music in the Inland Empire.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at IECF is helping make donors’ dreams come true by connecting their personal passions with community needs,” explained IECF’s Chief Development Officer Brie Griset Smith, CSPG. “The Brigante endowment beautifully illustrates how we can transform a family’s cherished memories – in this case, Mary Ellen and Tom’s love of jazz – into a permanent cultural resource that will enrich our region and honor their legacy for years to come.”
Beth and Ken Higbee had been San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra season subscribers for many years so, at her recommendation, Smith reached out to Orchestra Executive Director Dr. Anne Viricel.
“We were excited to learn about the lives and interests of the Brigantes and immediately felt a connection to the annual jazz ensembles begun by our Music Director Anthony Parnther in 2022,” shared Viricel. “We are incredibly honored to have been selected to receive this generous opportunity to honor the Brigantes’ love of music.”
Beth Higbee, shown with her husband Ken, established an endowment in her parents’ names for an annual jazz performance to be curated by the San Bernardino Symphony Association.
The Annual Thomas R. and Mary Ellen Brigante Jazz Performance will begin on Sept. 20 at the historic San Bernardino Valley College auditorium with a concert at 3 p.m. by the Josh Nelson Jazz Ensemble.
“Our family feels that having the chance to support this unique and creative program filled with truly talented artists would have delighted our parents,” said Beth Higbee. “Music meant a great deal to both of them and brought them joy and inspiration throughout their lives.”
The Symphony’s award-winning resident conductor Raphaela Lacerda will host the event.
“After the incredible response to last year’s concert honoring Ella Fitzgerald and Chet Baker, we’re thrilled to welcome the Josh Nelson Ensemble back for another unforgettable performance,” said Maestra Lacerda. “This year’s show, Jazz on Film, is one our audiences simply can’t miss.”
From the first “talkie” in the late 1920s to today’s modern films, jazz has been integral to the cinematic genre. This long and often fruitful relationship between jazz and the cinema, with many of the best jazz soundtracks now recognized as classic albums in their own right, provides the backdrop for a memorable afternoon. The concert will feature both classic jazz pieces and lesser-known gems including “Moon River,” The Summer Knows,” “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?,” “Theme from Chinatown,” “Stella by Starlight” and more.
“Our up-close jazz series has quickly become a highlight each season, and we’re delighted to bring it again to the stunning San Bernardino Valley College auditorium,” Maestra Lacerda added.
Previous Symphony attendees will remember Josh Nelson’s piano virtuosity and the skills of the players he carefully selects for each Symphony audience. This year, his musical colleagues include vocalist Kenton Chen, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass and cello and Dan Schnelle on drums.
Tickets for the Sept. 20 jazz ensemble concert are available at $20 to $100 per seat and may be purchased online by visiting www.sanbernardinosymphony.org or by phone at (909) 381-5388 Monday through Friday. Seats for students and active military are available for $15.
San Bernardino Valley College is located at 701 S. Mt. Vernon Avenue in San Bernardino. The auditorium is at the north end of campus facing Mt. Vernon. Free parking is available adjacent to the auditorium on concert day.
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