JAZZ ORCHESTRA OF THE CONCERTGEBOUW

Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw

The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw is the continuation of the New Concert Big Band, founded in 1996 by bassist Frans van Geest, drummer Hans Dekker and Henk Meutgeert. The name refers to Meutgeert's Netherlands Concert Jazz Band from the eighties. It is their intention to start a jazz orchestra ...
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Mentioned in the biography of

1990   Ferdinand Povel
1990   Rob van Bavel
1994   Benjamin Herman
1995   Wolter Wierbos
1996   Henk Meutgeert
1996   Jesse van Ruller
1999   Paulien van Schaik
2000   Randal Corsen
2001   Francien van Tuinen
2012   Joris Roelofs
2014   Berget Lewis
2018   Sabrina Starke
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Concerts & Festivals

by Podiuminfo / Festivalinfo

3/4/21, TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht

Biography Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw

The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw is the continuation of the New Concert Big Band, founded in 1996 by bassist Frans van Geest, drummer Hans Dekker and Henk Meutgeert. The name refers to Meutgeert's Netherlands Concert Jazz Band from the eighties. It is their intention to start a jazz orchestra which performs frequently, and adapts its repertoire to a variety of guests. Meutgeert is the conductor and principal arranger. The first major concert takes place at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, featuring the American tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson. The band soon gathers speed: since 1996 the orchestra plays every fortnight at Amsterdam Bimhuis. Soon the New Concert Big Band is playing for sold-out crowds. In 1999 the band becomes the Amsterdam Concertgebouw's house band, and the name is adapted accordingly. Over the years the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw proves that it is possible for one ensemble to play both modern and traditional big band jazz at the highest level. Moreover, the band collaborates with classical orchestras and soloists, folk music ensembles and improvisation groups of all kinds.

1996

The New Concert Big Band starts its life, and Henk Meutgeert becomes its conductor and principal arranger. The band makes its debut at the Amsterdam Rembrandtplein Theater. The orchestra plays at the Bimhuis every fortnight; the first guest soloists are bassist Tony Overwater and pianist Michiel Borstlap.

Michiel Borstlap Tony Overwater

1997

The band backs Joe Henderson at the Concertgebouw. With pianist Cedar Walton as a guest it opens the Holland Festival. In newspaper de Volkskrant Kevin Whitehead has this to say about a performance at the Bimhuis: 'The trumpets start off with mutes, silky smooth, and play a light melody. Then the mutes are out, the melody segues into a staccato motif, while the trombones and saxes take over the melody. And even when the solos have already started, Meutgeert keeps introducing new material, more riffs, a scream by the high trumpets with lots of vibrato, a swaying counter melody from the saxes.'

1999

The first CD, recorded live at the Bimhuis, is released and makes an impact because of the tonal colors and Meutgeert's grasp of the matter. Meanwhile the orchestra's leader continues to teach at the conservatories of Groningen and Zwolle, he is featured on juries and leads workshops for both professionals and amateurs. During the same year the New Concert Big Band becomes the Concertgebouw's house band and changes its name to Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. Duke Ellington is placed central this year, and the band performs his Sacred Concert, featuring the soprano Jessye Norman. For his stimulating work Meutgeert is awarded the North Sea Jazz Festival's Bird Award.

2000

The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw tours, featuring the composers Misha Mengelberg and Theo Loevendie as its guests.

Misha Mengelberg Theo Loevendie

2002

The orchestra performs with jazz greats like drummer Elvin Jones and guitarist Pat Martino, but also with the Four Freshmen, the Limburg Symphony Orchestra and the Dresden Semper Oper.

Francien van Tuinen Oene van Geel Randal Corsen

2005

With projects containing the music of Benny Goodman and Woody Herman the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw once again proves that it doesn't shun the tradition.

2008

The orchestra continues to work with a variety of guests, from flamenco guitarist Eric Vaarzon Morel to soul singer Oleta Adams, and from jazz guitarist Joe Cohn to pop singer Trijntje Oosterhuis. The band successfully tours Lithuania and Japan. On the album Silk Rush guitarist Jesse van Ruller is featured.

Eric Vaarzon Morel Trijntje Oosterhuis

2009

In the largest concert hall in Beijing the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw gives the first ever jazz concert. According to the local press the crowd goes wild over the band's performance.

2010

The double album Blues For The Date mainly contains compositions by pianist Peter Beets, who also takes care of most of the solos.

Peter Beets

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