February 20, 2026
On Friday, January 20, 2026, legendary guitarist Peter Bernstein will take the stage with the Jazz Orchestras of the Butler School of Music for an evening that promises to blend professional artistry with student collaboration.
Long regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary jazz guitar, Bernstein has been praised by The New York Times as “a fluidly improvising guitarist in the post-bop tradition, with control over harmony and a beautiful sound.” Jazziz has likewise celebrated his “warm, ringing, muscular tone,” noting echoes of guitar greats such as Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Kenny Burrell.
Guitarist Peter Bernstein Rehearsing with Butler’s Jazz Orchestra
In rehearsal leading up to the concert, Bernstein worked closely with conductor Diego Rivera and the student musicians, quickly establishing a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere on stage. Though the full repertoire has not yet been officially announced, several selections on the program have been arranged by students in the ensemble, offering them a rare opportunity to hear their work brought to life alongside a master improviser.
Bernstein took additional time during rehearsals to sit with students individually, working through passages and shaping the music in ways that elevated both the arrangements and the performances. The experience offered students not only musical insight but also a firsthand look at the level of preparation, nuance, and listening required at the highest tiers of the jazz world.
Guitarist Peter Bernstein and Director Diego Rivera Discuss Tempos on Stage During a Rehearsal
According to Director of the Butler School of Music Susan Thomas, collaborations of this kind are central to the school’s mission. She emphasized the importance of giving students opportunities “to work with people who are at the absolute top of their field so they can see what is possible.”
With a career spanning decades and a reputation firmly established among jazz’s elite, Bernstein embodies that standard of excellence. For the students of the Butler School, the concert represents more than a performance; it is a chance to share the stage with one of the field’s most respected artists and to experience the demands and rewards of making music at the highest level.
Guitarist Peter Bernstein Rehearsing with Butler’s Jazz Orchestra
The concert will take place on Friday, January 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available here and will be livestreamed here.