On April 19th of this year at the UBC Chan Center, it was a musical feast, a wonderful auditory journey of classical jazz.

(UBC Chan center opening in spring 1997, 
the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts has earned an international
 reputation for its striking design, stellar acoustics and e
xceptional programming. Artists, critics and audiences alike 
are unanimous in their prais)

American pianist Aaron Diehl was the star of the show, mesmerizing the audience with his mastery of the piano and rich musical talent. His recent album Zodiac Suite was not only nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award, but was also named one of Slate’s Jazz Albums of the Year, a testament to the excellence of his music. Diehl’s music is more than one-dimensional, and each piano performance is an unexpected artistic marvel that will leave you in awe.

Aaron Diehl is no newcomer to the scene. Back in 2011, he was honored by the American Pianists Association as a Cole Porter Jazz Fellow, a high recognition of his musical talent. He has demonstrated outstanding musical prowess by working with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, composer Philip Glass, and the New York Philharmonic, among many others. And it is a rare honor to work with a jazz legend like Wynton Marsalis.

Wynton Marsalis is not only an outstanding trumpeter, but has also won numerous Grammy Awards, including “Think of One” in 1983, “Hot House Flowers” in 1984, and “The Grammys” in 1985. The awards, including Think of One (1983), Hot House Flowers (1984), and Black Codes (From the Underground) (1985), are a testament to Diehl’s stature as a jazz musician. Collaborating with such an accomplished trumpeter has also been a great addition to Diehl’s musical career.

On stage, Diehl displayed his musical talent and charisma without any stage fright, delivering an electrifying performance. Although he wasn’t there, the audience described it as a soul-cleansing recital.

For the audience, Aaron Diehl’s performance was not only a spiritual cleansing, but also a bridge leading them to the world of jazz. In the jumping of the notes, they seemed to be able to feel the power of the music, as if they were in a music world full of magic. Diehl’s performance made people feel as if they had traveled through time and space, and immersed themselves in the charm and magic of jazz.