Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that the SNJO – jewel in Scotland’s jazz crown – is 20 years old this year and we are set to sparkle particularly brightly in 2015 as we celebrate with a superb series of spectacular musical experiences.
What began as a twinkle in Tommy Smith’s eye in 1995 has since grown into a dazzling musical enterprise internationally recognized as a “genuinely world class outfit.” Year on year, the SNJO has delivered stylish orchestral jazz to the four corners of Scotland and introduced
the wider world to the jazz talent in our country and with your help, we hope to continue for many more years to come.
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We kick off our 20th anniversary year in February with a stunning centenary tribute to Billy Strayhorn: a jazz genius who was composer, arranger and pianist. Billy wrote much of Ellington’s music including his rollicking signature tune Take the A Train and Chelsea Bridge and his inspiring musical legacy has created an important and dynamic chapter in jazz history.
In May, we celebrate another centenary – Frank Sinatra – and our special guest vocalist Kurt Elling will help swing selections from the Sinatra songbook in five cities.
June then welcomes Eddi Reader as our guest as we embark on an 11-date tour to the Highlands and Islands with Alba, our newly commissioned suite of Scottish songs arranged for jazz orchestra.
Over the next twelve months there will be yet more events in store for fans – all uplifting, orchestral jazz – so please enjoy reading our news, put dates in your diaries and join us soon – we look forward to seeing you as well as friends and family.
