Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Name	Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Background	classical_ensemble
Origin	New York City, New York, U.S.
Genre	Jazz, Big band
Years active	1988–present
Associated acts	Wynton Marsalis

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is a world-renowned big band and the resident orchestra of the performing arts organization Jazz at Lincoln Center. Founded in 1988 under the artistic direction of trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, the ensemble is celebrated for its mastery of the jazz tradition, from early New Orleans styles to contemporary compositions. It serves as a vital cultural institution, dedicated to performance, education, and the preservation of jazz as a living art form.

History

The orchestra's origins trace to the inaugural 1988-89 concert season of the nascent Jazz at Lincoln Center program, then a department within the larger Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Under the leadership of Wynton Marsalis, its founding artistic director, the ensemble was initially assembled to perform a series of concerts exploring the history of jazz. Its early success and critical acclaim, including performances at venues like Avery Fisher Hall, solidified its position, leading to the establishment of Jazz at Lincoln Center as an independent constituent of Lincoln Center in 1996. A landmark moment came in 2004 with the opening of the orchestra's permanent home, Frederick P. Rose Hall, located within the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.

Musical style and repertoire

The orchestra is distinguished by its expansive and meticulously curated repertoire, which encompasses the entire sweep of big band music. Its programming faithfully interprets classic works by foundational composers and arrangers such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams, and Billy Strayhorn. Concurrently, the ensemble actively commissions and performs new works from a diverse array of contemporary composers, including Maria Schneider, John Clayton, and members of the orchestra itself. This dual focus ensures the repertoire honors the canon while propelling the jazz tradition forward, often featuring thematic concerts dedicated to specific artists, eras, or geographic styles like Afro-Cuban jazz.

Members and leadership

The orchestra comprises fifteen of the most accomplished soloists, arrangers, and section players in jazz. Wynton Marsalis serves as the Managing and Artistic Director, while the ensemble has been led by notable music directors including trombonist Chris Crenshaw. The roster features longstanding principal musicians such as saxophonists Walter Blanding and Victor Goines, trumpeter Marcus Printup, and trombonist Vincent Gardner. Many members, including pianist Dan Nimmer and bassist Carlos Henriquez, are also prolific composers and educators, contributing significantly to the orchestra's artistic output and pedagogical mission.

Performances and tours

The orchestra maintains an ambitious schedule of over 150 performances annually. Its home season in Frederick P. Rose Hall includes the acclaimed concert series in the Rose Theater and more intimate sets in Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola. The ensemble is a frequent performer at major international festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival. It undertakes extensive worldwide tours, bringing its music to prestigious venues across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and has performed for dignitaries at events like the White House and the BBC Proms.

Recordings and awards

The orchestra has a prolific discography, releasing albums on labels including Blue Engine Records, its own imprint, and Columbia Records. Notable recordings include *The Music of John Lewis*, *Big Band Holidays*, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning oratorio *Blood on the Fields* composed by Wynton Marsalis. The ensemble and its members have received numerous accolades, including several Grammy Award nominations and wins. Its educational broadcasts and recordings have also earned recognition, solidifying its reputation for artistic excellence and cultural contribution.

Educational initiatives

Education is a cornerstone of the orchestra's mission, realized through programs like the globally broadcast *Jazz for Young People* concerts. The WeBop program offers early childhood music classes, while the Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival attracts student ensembles from across North America. Members regularly conduct master classes, residencies, and workshops at institutions worldwide, from the Juilliard School to public schools, fostering the next generation of jazz musicians and audiences.

Category:American big bands Category:Jazz at Lincoln Center Category:Musical groups established in 1988 Category:Musical groups from New York City