Orchestrating the future of jazz and music education

OUR PROGRAMS

CONCERTS

Comprised of some of the top musicians in the country, our 68-member orchestra performs free concerts for the community and has played with renowned jazz soloists like George Duke, Dave Grusin, Christian McBride, Lee Ritenour and The Yellowjackets.

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MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS

We bring much-needed music education to underserved communities across LA County. From counting out rhythms, to introducing instruments, to learning about the history of blues music, our year-long residencies inspire students to learn about the world around them and to question, create and express. We've served over 65,000 young people and their families across Los Angeles County.

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GEORGE DUKE PRIZE

Each year, we present the George Duke Commissioning Prize for individuals who compose symphonic jazz. Our Music Advisory Board determines the winner, who is then commissioned to write a new orchestral score. This newly commissioned work is premiered by the 68-piece SJO in concert and is entered into the organization’s catalog of symphonic jazz commissions.

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RADIO

SJO's Music Director Mitch Glickman hosts “Beyond Symphonic Jazz” on KJazz 88.1 FM Monday Nights at 9pm (PST). The radio show explores where the worlds of jazz and classical music meet with interviews with some very special composers and performers.

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SJO in the News

Earth, Wind & Fire's founder wrote orchestral music. It hadn't been heard until now

An orchestra performs the world premiere of a piece by the late Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, 23 years after he composed it.

WHAT IS SYMPHONIC JAZZ?

Have you ever heard Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue? If not, take a listen.

Rhapsody in BlueGeorge Gershwin

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If so, then you’ve heard Symphonic Jazz. Coined by the American band leader Paul Whiteman in the early 1920s, Symphonic Jazz is an innovative hybrid form of music blending the worlds of jazz and classical music.