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ABOUT MUSIC ALIVE ENSEMBLE
The Music Alive Ensemble was founded in May 2002 with a concert at Dillard University honoring the contributions of New Orleans classical pianist Jessie Covington Dent. Dent, a New Orleans native, won acclaim as a concert pianist. She studied at Oberlin College and Julliard Foundation which later became Julliard School of Music. Dent was a life long philanthropist who was instrumental in founding several organizations to promote humanitarian and artistic endeavors. Dent was the mother of acclaimed writer Tom Dent.
In 2001 Music Alive Ensemble (MAE) formed a partnership withThe New Orleans Chapter of the Links, Inc. and The University of New Orleans. MAE presented concerts at the UNO Performing Arts Center with funding from the Links from 2001-2005. Due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and personal injury of Artistic Director Rachel Jordan, The Music Alive Ensemble did not present programs during 2006 and 2007. In 2008 MAE returned to the UNO Performing Arts Center with partial funding from The Jazz & Heritage Foundation.
Music Alive Ensemble provides work for New Orleans musicians and well as visiting artists. Post-Katrina, several performance venues are under renovation or closed permanently. Many musicians have opted not to return to New Orleans due to limited performance opportunities. Additionally, MAE has consistently provided its unique programs to the community and many audience members expressed gratitude for our return to UNO. Additionally, MAE provides educational workshops for inner city public schools providing a special opportunity for New Orleans youth to interact with professional musicians, arrangers and composers.
Music Alive Ensemble Core members are:
Rachel Jordan – Violinist/Arranger/Founder & Artistic Director
Amy Thiaville – Violinist/Arranger
Kent Jordan – Flutist/Arranger/Composer
Stephanie Jordan – Vocalist/Administrative Assistant
Mike Esnault – Pianist/Composer/Arranger
Marlon Jordan-Trumpet/Composer/Arranger
Mei Mei Wei – Violinist
Kaaren Makas – Founding Artistic Consultant for Music Alive Ensemble
MUSIC ALIVE is a non for profit (501c 3)
All contributions are tax deductible
Kaaren Makas Obituary