2010-2011 Season

Sat., Oct. 23, 2010
Artie Shaw and His Gramercy Five
Small Ensemble

Sat., Dec. 4, 2010
Holiday Jazz Band Concert
Full Orchestra

Sat., Feb. 12, 2011
Big Band Jazz Revival
Full Orchestra

Sat., April 9, 2011
Collaboration in Jazz featuring the music of Gerry Mulligan
Small Ensemble

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Acclaim

"The SJMO, under the direction of David N. Baker, is one of the most accomplished repertory bands in jazz, so it's no surprise that they've built a loyal and growing audience in the nation's capital."

— Larry Appelbaum, JazzTimes

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Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
2010-2011 Season Subscription Tickets Now On Sale!

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) is the orchestra-in-residence at the National Museum of American History, charged with a mission of presenting and perpetuating the legacy of jazz. Working with The Smithsonian Associates, the SJMO this year presents a series of concerts featuring the full orchestra as well as smaller configurations highlighting the music of some of jazz’s greatest composers and musicians.

In recognition of the importance of jazz in American culture, Congress appropriated the money to found the orchestra in 1990. Concerts feature transcribed classics, new arrangements, and commissioned works. Past concerts have included the music of Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Strayhorn, Benny Carter, and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. The orchestra also offers master classes, workshops, and other educational programs to support up-and-coming musicians, singers, composers, and band leaders.

Artistic and Musical Director

David N. BakerDavid N. Baker is a composer, conductor, performer, author, and educator. A veteran of the bands of Quincy Jones, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, and Lionel Hampton, Baker has more than 65 recordings to his credit and has transcribed and conducted works from the historical repertory of jazz since 1975. He is the Distinguished Professor of Music and chairman of the jazz department at the Indiana University School of Music. In 2001, he received the Smithsonian's James Smithson Bicentennial Medal for his contributions toward elevating the nation's appreciation of jazz. Currently, Baker is president of the International Association for Jazz Education.

Executive Producer

Kennith R. KimeryKennith R. Kimery has performed with Charles McPherson, Bob Magnusson, and Barney Kessel. He was assistant program coordinator for the Smithsonian’s Jazz Oral History Program and associate producer for the SJMO before becoming producer for the orchestra. Kimery also is coordinator of the Jazz Masterworks Editions publications program and Smithsonian project director for Essential Jazz Editions, a partnership of the Smithsonian Institution, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Library of Congress.

 

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