The Metropole Orchestra is a musical institution in Holland and in Europe for decades. Among its musical directors, Rogier Van Otterlo and currently, Vince Mendoza (who wrote a.o. for Joni Mitchell).

It combines a full size jazz big band with a large string section, woodwinds, harp and percussion.

In December 2008, pianist and composer Ivan Paduart was been invited by this prestigious orchestra to present his compositions in this rich surroundings (55 musicians !), with also some impressive guests : US tenor saxophonist Bob Malach and Dutch singer Fay Claassen.

Top arrangers have contributed : Michel Herr for the most part, but also Bert Joris, Ivan himself and the conductor/composer/arranger Jim McNeely (USA).

On Youtube, "Life as it is" (Ivan Paduart/arr. Michel Herr)