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This Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Desautels Concert Hall, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO) presents a special Valentine’s-themed concert, Cherry Blossom Dreams. The evening will feature timeless songs by George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and more, making it the perfect date night outing.
Joining the WJO is acclaimed Filipino jazz singer Charito.
A world-renowned jazz artist
For those unfamiliar with Charito, she is an internationally celebrated Filipino jazz vocalist known for her smooth, emotive voice and dynamic performances. With a career spanning decades, she has captivated audiences worldwide and established herself as one of the leading voices in jazz.
Her musical journey began in the early 1990s with the release of her debut album, This Girl, in Japan, which led to collaborations with renowned international artists. In 1996, she made history as the first Filipina to perform at the Montreal Jazz Festival, wowing a crowd of 70,000. Over the years, she has toured extensively, performing in the United States, Brazil, Germany, the Philippines and beyond, recording 17 albums along the way.
From Manila to the world
Charito’s path to jazz stardom was unexpected. “I guess I was born singing because I’ve been singing naturally ever since I was a kid,” she says. Born in the Philippines, she initially pursued a degree in mass communications at the University of Santo Tomas while performing at small gigs on the side.
Her big break came when she won first place in a singing competition organized by the Hotel Club Restaurant Association of Japan. The prize: a six-month contract to perform in Japan. “I tried to convince the dean of my university to let me go. I promised to come back. But I never did,” she recalls with a laugh. That opportunity launched her international career.
From Japan to Winnipeg
Now based in Japan, Charito continues to perform and collaborate with artists worldwide. Her connection to the WJO came about serendipitously. “I reached out to Richard (WJO’s artistic director) after seeing the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and was so impressed,” she says. What started as a simple Facebook message eventually led to her upcoming performance with the orchestra.
A love for big band and the jazz experience
Charito has performed with various ensembles, from intimate piano duos to full big bands. “I love big band so much,” she says. “I naturally just go with the flow, but the intensity of a big band is something special.” Cherry Blossom Dreams will showcase classic jazz favourites, featuring arrangements from both the WJO and Charito’s own repertoire, including selections from her work with the Manhattan Jazz Orchestra.
More than just a concert
For Charito, jazz is more than a genre—it’s an experience. “I want people to enjoy jazz as something beyond just music. When you listen to us, listen to the conversation that’s happening, because we’re making music in the moment.”
With a rich program of beloved jazz standards and the warmth of Charito’s voice, Cherry Blossom Dreams promises to be a night of romance, nostalgia and world-class musicianship.
Tickets are available at winnipegjazzorchestra.com. Don’t miss the chance to witness an internationally celebrated artist bring her soulful touch to Winnipeg this Valentine’s season.