Wynton Marsalis is an internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, bandleader and educator. He's the managing and artistic director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center program in New York City; his numerous accolades include the Pulitzer Prize for Music and nine Grammy Awards for both jazz and classical recordings.On Wednesday, he will deliver a lecture and perform with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as part of IdeaFestival. (The 15-piece Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra launches its new season.) His IdeaFestival talk will focus on the role of art and creativity in America. We caught up with Marsalis earlier this week. Interview with Wynton Marsalis.On the growth of Jazz at Lincoln Center as an institution:"We had close to 3,000 education events last year, we have 12 education programs. We have a hall called the House of Swing, Frederick P. Rose Hall on 59th Street (in New York City). We have tremendous broadcast capability. We’re getting ready to open clubs in Dubai and Shanghai. We are advocates for the music. We have all kind of advocacy programs and things to invite people into the experience of the music.On the importance of parental influence in a child’s music education:"My momma took me to see classical music and jazz, things I didn’t necessarily like when I was younger, but she set a horizon for me. Not that she even necessarily liked it, but she aspired to a higher thing for me, so I responded to that."We'll have more interviews with IdeaFestival speakers throughout the week. Find them online here,and tune in to 89.3 at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to hear the interviews.
