Antwerp Jazz Orchestra

Antwerp Jazz Orchestra is an international big band project after an initiative of the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and brings together young musicians from all over Europe. The orchestra consists of students of the Conservatory, supplemented by alumni, teachers and talented musicians from prestigious institutions such as the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, the Universität der Künste Bern, the Conservatory of Amsterdam, Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Cologne and Codarts Rotterdam.

This year, the music of Charles Mingus takes center stage. The big band will perform arrangements of Mingus' iconic works, including Fables of Faubus, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, Duke Ellington's Sound of Love, Gunslinging Bird, Haitian Fight Song, Song with Orange, and Work Song....

Under the direction of saxophonist Kurt Van Herck (Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Cinema Paradiso ...), artistic director of the orchestra since 2023, these timeless compositions are brought to life with respect for tradition as well as a fresh, contemporary perspective.

The orchestra's unique composition - young talent combined with experienced musicians and a broad international network - makes every Antwerp Jazz Orchestra project a special musical experience. After previous concerts in leading venues such as the Bimhuis Amsterdam and DE SINGEL in Antwerp, the orchestra now brings the intensity and versatility of Mingus to the intimate setting of Rataplan.