Cleveland Jazz Orchestra

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra is a professional jazz ensemble based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded by Severance Hall conductor Leonard Bernstein's former student, Sean Jones. The orchestra has performed with renowned musicians such as Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis, and Joshua Redman at venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. With a rich history of collaborations, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has shared the stage with the Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble's diverse repertoire includes works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Thelonious Monk.

● History

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra was established in 1986 by Sean Jones, who served as the ensemble's first artistic director. Under Jones' leadership, the orchestra performed at various jazz festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival and Newport Jazz Festival. The ensemble has also collaborated with notable conductors such as Gustav Meier and Leonard Slatkin, who have led the orchestra in performances of George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and Ferde Grofé's Grand Canyon Suite. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has been a resident ensemble at Playhouse Square and has performed with Cleveland Institute of Music students, including alumni like Dominick Farinacci and Chris Coles. The orchestra has also worked with Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University to promote jazz education.

● Music and Repertoire

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra's repertoire includes a wide range of jazz standards and original compositions by jazz musicians such as Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis. The ensemble has performed big band arrangements of Dizzy Gillespie's A Night in Tunisia and Benny Goodman's Sing, Sing, Sing, as well as smaller ensemble works like Dave Brubeck's Take Five and Paul Desmond's Take Ten. The orchestra has also premiered new works by contemporary composers such as Maria Schneider, Bob Brookmeyer, and Jim McNeely. With a focus on jazz education, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has performed with student ensembles from Berklee College of Music, University of North Texas, and Manhattan School of Music. The ensemble has also collaborated with jazz vocalists like Dianne Reeves, Kurt Elling, and Tierney Sutton.

● Notable Performances

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has performed at numerous high-profile events, including the Tri-C Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, and Toronto International Jazz Festival. The ensemble has shared the stage with legendary musicians like Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Wayne Shorter at venues such as Hollywood Bowl and Radio City Music Hall. The orchestra has also collaborated with dance companies like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Martha Graham Dance Company on productions featuring the music of Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has performed with symphony orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic on works such as Gershwin's An American in Paris and Ravel's Boléro. The ensemble has also appeared on National Public Radio's JazzSet and PBS's Live from Lincoln Center.

● Awards and Recognition

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and educational programs. The ensemble was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts grant for its jazz education initiatives, which include workshops and masterclasses with jazz legends like Jimmy Heath and Frank Foster. The orchestra has also received recognition from the Ohio Arts Council and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture for its contributions to the Cleveland arts scene. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has been nominated for several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and the DownBeat Jazz Award for Jazz Ensemble of the Year. The ensemble has also been recognized by jazz organizations like the Jazz Education Network and International Association for Jazz Education.

● Education and Outreach

The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra is committed to jazz education and outreach, offering a range of programs and initiatives for students and community members. The ensemble provides workshops and masterclasses with jazz professionals like Bobby McFerrin and Christian McBride, as well as concerts and clinics for students from Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra also partners with organizations like Jazz at Lincoln Center and Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to provide jazz education resources and opportunities for students and teachers. The ensemble's outreach programs include concerts at nursing homes, hospitals, and community centers, featuring music by jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra has also collaborated with universities like Cleveland State University and John Carroll University to develop jazz curricula and provide performance opportunities for students. Category:Jazz ensembles