Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 4, 2026) – Ensemble Arts Philly continues its proud tradition of presenting world-renowned Philadelphia artists with the return of iconic hometown bassist Christian McBride, sharing the stage with fellow virtuoso Edgar Meyer for a one-night-only performance at the Miller Theater on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

For over two decades, McBride has been a familiar and beloved presence across Ensemble Arts Philly stages – from his collaborations with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, to his genre-defying concerts in the Perelman Theater and Marian Anderson Hall. This performance continues that relationship, uniting one of Philadelphia’s most distinguished artistic voices with Ensemble Arts’ mission to share transformative performances that connect communities. As part of the 2025–26 Jazz Series, the performance showcases Philadelphia’s long-standing legacy of world-class jazz and Ensemble Arts Philly’s anchor in that artistic ecosystem.

With two of today’s most commanding musicians, this concert – spanning jazz, classical, folk, and bluegrass traditions – reimagines the expressive possibilities of the bass. McBride and Meyer’s collaboration highlights the virtuosity and distinctive artistic identities that have made each performer a global standout. Whether through McBride’s unmistakable rhythmic drive and charismatic presence or Meyer’s unparalleled technical precision and expressive depth, the evening promises a dynamic, conversation-like exchange between two masters at the height of their craft. Audiences can expect a program that showcases the full spectrum of what the double bass can achieve in the hands of artists who continually redefine its possibilities.

Philadelphia native and alumni of The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), Christian McBride, a nine-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and 2023 DownBeat Producer of the Year, has set the bar for virtuosity. Bringing his unmatched skill and passion to the stage, he joins the phenomenally gifted Edgar Meyer, hailed by The New Yorker as “the most remarkable virtuoso on his instrument,” whether performing jazz, classical, or pushing boundaries in collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck, Chris Thile, Zakir Hussain, Joshua Bell, and more.

“Christian has been part of the heartbeat of Ensemble Arts Philly for decades – an artist who embodies the creative excellence and cultural richness that define our city,” said Ryan Fleur, President & CEO. “This collaboration with Edgar Meyer reflects everything we celebrate: virtuosity, boundary-pushing artistry, and the enduring power of music to connect audiences across genres and generations.”

The Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer show is a part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s 2025–26 Jazz Series. Remaining shows on the 2025–26 Jazz Season include: Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 (March 20, 2026); Endea Owens & The Cookout (March 28, 2026); WXPN Welcomes Rhiannon Giddens (May 5, 2026); and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (May 26, 2026).

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org, by calling 215-893-1999, or in person at the Academy of Music Box Office (240 S. Broad Street) daily from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. For more information, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org. 

Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer  
Miller Theater 
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m.
 

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ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.     
  

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