- CJO Brent Mah on Sax - Photo by Calgary Jazz Orchestra
Get ready to groove, bop and swing with the Calgary Jazz Orchestra when the group kicks off the 2010/11 season later this month. The upcoming season promises a diverse mix of jazz and popular music to engage and entertain music buffs of all walks.
2010/11 Calgary Jazz Orchestra Season Highlights
When putting together the 2010/11 season, Director Johnny Summers aimed for simple themes based on legendary icons in music. "Our season this year is designed to give something to everybody who comes to our shows," said Summers.
The CJO kicks off its 2010/11 season on Sunday, September 26, 2010 with "The Music of Oscar Peterson and Charles Mingus". "Mingus was a funky, soul-infused upright bass player who wrote great music that everybody likes when they hear it, yet many sadly haven't," said Summers. "We have paired him with Oscar Peterson's music, because of the infectious energy and beauty that the Canadiana Suite we are performing consists of." The programme includes the premiere performance of Greg Baker and Johnny Summer's arrangement of Peterson's Canadiana Suite.
The CJO gets into the Christmas spirit with "A Perfectly Frank Christmas" on Sunday, December 19, 2010. Popular Christmas hits made famous by Frank Sinatra, including I'll Be Home for Christmas and Oh Holy Night will be featured. "We have created our own tradition of having a great concert of Christmas music, having fun with each other, special guests and many in the audience," Summers described.
The Calgary Jazz Orchestra warms up the winter with "ENTERTAINMENT! The Music of Pop Culture" on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Top pop hits, memorable movie themes and music from popular video games, including Michael Jackson, Nirvana and Super Mario Bros. will appear on the programme.
The CJO wraps up its 2010/11 season with music from the Big Band era when it presents "The Music of Duke Ellington" on Sunday, April 10, 2011. The Duke's New Orleans Suite will be performed and music by one of New Orleans' favorite sons, Harry Connick Jr., will also be featured.
About the Calgary Jazz Orchestra
The Calgary Jazz Orchestra was founded in 2004 by trumpeter, vocalist, composer/arranger Johnny Summers. The group enjoys an average attendance of 300 people per concert.
The CJO is comprised of 16 musicians who are performers and dedicated music teachers. They have performed at the Canada Day Celebrations in Calgary, the Calgary Jazz Festival, and the Red Handed Campaign for the United Way and the Alberta Centennial celebrations. Various members of the CJO perform frequently locally and abroad at jazz clubs and festivals such as the Calgary Jazz Festival and Calgary International Blues Festival.
The orchestra performs arrangements by Johnny Summers, Gerry Hebert, Keith O'Rourke, Shane Statz, Carsten Rubeling and Greg Baker. Summers was commissioned to compose a piece for the United Way.
Attending a CJO Performance
All concert season performances by the Calgary Jazz Orchestra are scheduled to take place at River Park Church on 3818 - 14A Street SW Calgary, Alberta. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. while all performances commence at 7:00 p.m.
Single concert tickets are on sale for $20 each, while season passes are available for $70 each. Tickets can be purchased through the Calgary Jazz Orchestra's website. Concert tickets can also be purchased at the door by cash or cheque.
The Calgary Jazz Orchestra opens their 2010/11 season on Sunday, September 26, 2010. The season promises to entertain music aficionados of all walks with varied programming filled with memorable tunes. "The CJO is not your typical orchestra," says Summers. "We are spontaneous, energetic and fun, and we want to move the audience through emotion and sound."
Rhona-Mae Arca - Rhona-Mae is a Registered Music Teacher. She has an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, B.A. (Music) and ...
