The Brussels Jazz Orchestra makes jazz ensemble music of the highest quality, with full artistic integrity, in all its diversity and for the broadest of (inter)national audiences.
It might be unexpected but the Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO) is not the kind of jazz orchestra that sticks to standards. We prefer to achieve the highest level by composing original music, creating unique arrangements and playing inventively as well as passionately. In fact, it really is jazz with a dynamic orchestral sound, with a classic strength in which each musician is also a brilliant soloist.
Brussels Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1993. The orchestra has enjoyed the recognition and support of the Flemish government since 1999.
Call it an ‘orchestrated passion for jazz’ that incites BJO to create world-class music.
Who comes to play with BJO depends on the project. In addition to BJO’s own productions, we work with well-known musicians from all over the world. In that way, BJO has established a reputation at home and on relevant jazz stages abroad.
BJO has performed with Philip Catherine, Bert Joris, deFilharmonie, Tutu Puoane, Brussels Philharmonic, David Linx and Richard Galliano in its own productions. BJO invited Joe Lovano (US), Maria Schneider (US), Kenny Werner (US), Dave Liebman (US), Dave Douglas (US), Gianluigi Trovesi (IT), Gustavo Bergalli (ARG), Norma Winstone (GB), McCoy Tyner (US), Maria João (PT), Kenny Wheeler (GB), Lee Konitz (US), Perico Sambeat (ES), Toots Thielemans and others.
BJO’s projects receive international acclaim:
- 2011 South African Music Award in the category Best Traditional Jazz Album for “Mama Africa”
- 2011 Zilveren Griffel (NL) for audiobook “Vliegen tot de hemel”. BJO composed and performed the original soundtrack.
- 2011-2012 Golden Globe, BAFTA, César and Academy Award (Oscar) for soundtrack The Artist.
- In December 2013 the Brussels Jazz Orchestra topped off its twentieth anniversary with two Grammy Award nominations for its album Wild Beauty featuring Joe Lovano.
- In June 2017, the orchestra wins an Edison Jazz/World Award in the category "Vocal Jazz" for the album BREL with David Linx.
