US pianist Steve Barta discusses his new orchestral arrangement of Claude Bolling's 1975 crossover hit: Suite for Flute & Jazz Piano, and the upcoming performance with the Auckland Symphony orchestra. Barta is a composer and arranger from Colorado who has always had a passion for the flute. In his new arrangement he working with leading US flutist, Hubert Laws to breathe new life into Bolling's Suite, which spent 530 weeks in the classical charts and spawned the term, "crossover", in music.

“Brilliant. A true and modern arrangement!”

Claude Bolling – Pianist and composer of the Suite for Flute & Jazz Piano

“I find this arrangement a perfect fit with the original work. Mr. Barta has taken the classic work and brought it to new life for the 21st century concert hall. Every flutist should know about this new arrangement!”

Jeff Biegel – Concert pianist and guest soloist on the Suite recording

“What an invigorating endeavor Steve Barta took to orchestrate this piece for full orchestra and Flute / Piano. It was a delight performing it live!”

Hubert Laws – Flutist and guest soloist on the Suite recording

“Steve Barta has achieved the seemingly impossible: taking the perfect specimen of jazz/classical fusion and enhancing it, expanding it, giving one an utterly new perspective on this landmark suite. A brilliantly effective arrangement!

John Novacek – Concert Pianist

“The evening was a huge hit which was very exciting!”

Louise Gutierrez – Tulare Symphony

"Steve Barta's expertly orchestrated new version of the Bolling Jazz Suite brings a new perspective to this entertaining and classic work for flute."

Scott Yao – Symphony Conductor