In her captivating concert Classic Women, Beatrice Nicholas celebrates the extraordinary legacies of Hazel Scott, Lil Hardin Armstrong, Dorothy Donegan, and Nina Simone

– African American jazz icons who began as classically trained pianists. Denied entry into the classical music world due to racial barriers, these trailblazers carved their own paths, infusing jazz with the sophistication of classical technique.

Hazel Scott dazzled audiences with her signature “classical swing,” reimagining popular classical works through a jazz lens. Nina Simone, whose love for Bach permeated her music, and Dorothy Donegan, who once confessed she would have chosen classical music over jazz if given the chance, both left an indelible mark on music history. Meanwhile, Lil Hardin Armstrong—Louis Armstrong’s second wife—not only shaped his career as a world-renowned trumpeter but also deepened his appreciation for classical music.

Classic Women is a mesmerizing fusion of jazz, classical, and genre-defying artistry. Beatrice is joined by international jazz bassist Matyas Hofecker and award-winning drummer Matt Home, creating an unforgettable tribute to the women who refused to be confined by boundaries.

Performance Details

Friday, October 24, 2025
7:45 PM 9:45 PM

All Saints Church
Queens Park
Bedford
United Kingdom

Visit https://www.beatricenicholas.com/performance-events/classic-women for more information and booking.