New York Symphonic Jazz Orchestra

The New York Symphonic Jazz Orchestra dedicates its efforts to developing a new genre: Symphonic Jazz music. The 33-piece ensemble galvanizes the power and traditional sound of the jazz big band together with the symphonic capabilities of an improvising string section. The collective musicianship and wide ranging expertise of these improvisers forges a long awaited partnership between jazz, classical, and ethnic music of the world. NYSJO's founder and music director, Sonia Jacobsen, has developed a culturally inventive repertoire that champions daring work from today's most adventurous composers of large-scale jazz and creative music. She believes that by encouraging and selecting repertoire that is a true melting pot of different influences, NYSJO can help create and strengthen a new aesthetic identity in jazz and creative music. NYSJO is devoted to the use of improvisational elements in orchestral music. As a result, the orchestra's sound is uniquely personal; each player's contribution is pivotal. Although typical for a big band, this kind of partnership is revolutionary within the symphonic orchestra context. The orchestra's style is accessible, modern and profound. Its members believe that this groove, the space where classical, jazz and diverse world music influences converge, provides a vision into the next century of orchestral music.