Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouworkest
🎷 Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw
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The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw (JOC) is one of Europe’s most distinguished big bands and the only jazz orchestra in the world that carries the name of the Royal Concertgebouw. The ensemble is renowned for its virtuosity, international presence, and its role as both guardian and innovator of the Dutch jazz tradition.
🎼 Origins & History
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The orchestra was founded in 1996 as the New Concert Big Band by Henk Meutgeert, Frans van Geest, and Hans Dekker. Starting in 1997, the ensemble performed more than 150 concerts at the Bimhuis, often presenting entirely new programs. In 1999, the orchestra officially received the name Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. In 2026, the JOC celebrated its 30th anniversary with new projects and international collaborations.
🌍 International Reputation
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The JOC has performed in New York (Birdland), Tokyo, Shanghai, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Budapest, Mexico City, Vienna, and Santiago de Chile. It is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest big bands.
⭐ Collaborations with World‑Class Artists
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International soloists
Chick Corea • Branford Marsalis • Joe Henderson • Roy Hargrove • Toots Thielemans • Kurt Elling • Oleta Adams • José James • Jazzmeia Horn
Dutch soloists
Ruben Hein • Trijntje Oosterhuis • Sabrina Starke
🎷 Musical Style & Artistic Vision
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The JOC blends Dutch Jazz Heritage with contemporary jazz, soul, kaseko, tambu, and crossover influences. The orchestra works closely with new generations of musicians, making it a living laboratory for modern jazz.
Key albums
- Blues for the Date — Edison Award
- Crossroads — Edison Award
- Jazz Influencers — internationally acclaimed
🏆 Awards & Honors
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The orchestra and its musicians have received:
- 2 Edison Awards (Jazz & World)
- Bird Award (North Sea Jazz)
- Concertgebouw Jazz Award
- Knight of the Order of the Dutch Lion awarded to Henk Meutgeert
👥 Musicians (current lineup selection)
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Trumpet
Ruud Breuls • Erik Veldkamp • Jan van Duikeren
Saxophones
Sjoerd Dijkhuizen • Marco Kegel • Juan Martinez
Trombone
Bert Boeren • Ilja Reijngoud
Guitar
Martijn van Iterson
Artistic leadership
Chris Muller • Juan Martinez
🎓 Education & Talent Development
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The JOC invests in the future of jazz through:
- The Learning Orchestra
- JONG JOC (Young JOC)
- Big Band Academy
📅 Recent Activities (2025–2026)
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- Jazz & Freedom Festival
- 30‑year anniversary projects
- STORM — world premiere
- Big Band Academy with Miho Hazama
✨ Why the JOC Is Unique
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- A world‑class big band
- A fusion of historic and modern jazz
- Strong international presence
- A powerful educational mission
- Collaborations with top artists worldwide