Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Germany

 

The SWR Big Band is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. The band was founded in 1951 by Hans Koller, a German jazz saxophonist, and composer. The ensemble was initially known as the SDR Big Band, named after the South German Radio (SDR) station that sponsored it. In 1998, the SDR merged with the Southwest German Radio (SWR) to form the SWR Big Band, which is now based in Stuttgart, Germany. The SWR Big Band has had several notable members over the years, including pianist and composer Wolfgang Dauner, saxophonist Emil Mangelsdorff, and trumpeter Ack van Rooyen. The band has also collaborated with many renowned jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, and Stan Getz. One of the highlights of the SWR Big Band's career was their performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1971. The band played a set that included compositions by Hans Koller, as well as arrangements of jazz standards. The performance was well-received by the audience and helped to establish the band's reputation as one of the best jazz ensembles in Europe. In 1989, the SWR Big Band won the German Record Critics' Award for their album "Live at the Berlin Jazz Festival." The album featured compositions by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and other jazz legends, as well as original compositions by members of the band. The album showcased the band's versatility and ability to play a wide range of jazz styles. The SWR Big Band has also collaborated with several classical musicians over the years, including pianist Keith Jarrett and conductor Sir Simon Rattle. In 2005, the band performed with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Rattle. The concert, which was held at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, featured compositions by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and other American composers. In addition to their live performances, the SWR Big Band has released over 50 albums throughout their career. Their discography includes recordings of jazz standards, original compositions, and collaborations with other musicians. Some of their most popular albums include "Swinging Christmas," "Big Band Explosion," and "The Music of Duke Ellington." The SWR Big Band has also been recognized for their contributions to jazz education. The band has conducted workshops and masterclasses for young musicians, and has collaborated with several universities and music schools. In 2011, the band received the German Jazz Prize for their work in promoting jazz education. Today, the SWR Big Band continues to perform and record music, under the direction of conductor and arranger Bob Mintzer. The band's repertoire includes a mix of jazz standards, original compositions, and arrangements of classical music. The SWR Big Band remains one of the most respected and influential jazz ensembles in Europe, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

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