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René Urtreger, the journey of a hidden child who became a jazz legend

Photo : Maxim François + dr

Mar 25

René Urtreger, the journey of a hidden child who became a jazz legend

History meets harmony in a heartfelt tribute to a true pillar of the Parisian jazz scene. This is a rare chance to discover the journey of an icon who shaped the sound of an era alongside global legends before becoming a mentor for new talent. Expect stories, soul, and a deep dive into the life of an artist whose resilience is as profound as his chords.

ECUJE (Paris 10th)

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About

ECUJE hosts a special tribute to jazz legend René Urtreger on Thursday, March 25, 2027. This session explores the life of the pianist, from his traumatic childhood during the war to his legendary collaborations with stars like Miles Davis and Chet Baker. Olivier Hutman leads the retrospective, sharing personal anecdotes and key moments from a career that led to the creation of the ECUJE jazz prize for emerging artists. The event is open to attendees 18 and older, with tickets available from 5:00 to 10:00 depending on the category.

Born in 1934 into a Jewish family from Poland, and marked by the deportation of his mother to Auschwitz, from which she never returned, he became a pianist sought after by the greats starting in the 1950s. He played with Django Reinhardt, Sidney Bechet, Lester Young, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Dexter Gordon, and participated in the recording of the soundtrack for the film Elevator to the Gallows.
A member of the famous HUM trio with Daniel Humair and Pierre Michelot, he subsequently engaged in numerous ensembles and collaborations. Olivier Hutman will retrace the key moments of this career and share several personal memories of this musician with a colorful personality. In 2023, René Urtreger agreed to lend his name to the prize created by ECUJE to support young jazz talents.
Season 6 of Jazz at ECUJE is dedicated to him.

Our take on this event

Join us on Thursday, March 25, 2027, at ECUJE in the 10th arrondissement for an intimate look at the life of René Urtreger. From 18:30 to 19:30, Olivier Hutman will narrate the journey of this exceptional pianist, born in 1934. The talk covers his rise to fame in the 1950s, his work on the Ascenseur pour l'échafaud soundtrack, and his time performing alongside jazz icons like Sidney Bechet, Lester Young, and Dexter Gordon.

The presentation dives into his membership in the famous HUM trio with Daniel Humair and Pierre Michelot, while reflecting on his vibrant personality. As part of the sixth season of Jazz à l'ECUJE, this evening highlights Urtreger's lasting influence, notably through the namesake award created by the venue to support young talent.

This event is intended for an audience aged 18 and over. Ticket options include a full price of 10:00 or a reduced price of 5:00.

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