Our Story
The Vancouver Jazz Orchestra was officially established in 2022, but conversations between Executive Director Cory Weeds and Artistic Director James Danderfer began long before that. It wasn’t that Vancouver was missing jazz orchestras, it was missing this kind of jazz orchestra: one built around a true concert season, regular performances, and world-renowned guest artists, while also investing in education and career pathways for emerging musicians.
The VJO is also unique in its commitment to diversity and inclusion, showcasing a wide range of local artists through rotating personnel from one concert to the next. In this way, the VJO brings together not only many of Vancouver’s exemplary, established professionals, but also the up-and-coming talent we value so deeply.
Only a few years after its founding, the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO) has become a prominent fixture in Vancouver’s music scene, commissioning new works, releasing a debut album, and performing with leading jazz artists such as saxophonist Seamus Blake, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, and organist Brian Charette. Just as importantly, we’ve created meaningful mentorship and performance opportunities through our annual scholarship competition, the Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the VJO itself, working together to help secure a vibrant future for Vancouver’s jazz community.
Guided by a team of dedicated musicians and educators, we honor the rich tradition of jazz while pushing into new territory and celebrating outstanding local talent. Our repertoire spans classic big band standards through contemporary compositions, with a focus on highlighting Vancouver’s musical legacy and connecting it to new works, and to the next generation of voices.
Our programs
The VJO offers a variety of programs and activities designed to engage audiences, support local talent, and promote jazz education. Some of our key initiatives include:
1. Concert Series: The VJO presents an annual concert season featuring our acclaimed ensemble alongside guest artists from around the world. Each performance celebrates the depth and diversity of Vancouver’s jazz community, while delivering unforgettable live experiences for audiences.
2. Fraser MacPherson Jazz Scholarship: Named in honour of one of British Columbia’s great musicians and cultural ambassadors, this scholarship program provides financial support and meaningful educational opportunities for secondary and post-secondary jazz students. Each year, approximately six scholarships are awarded to outstanding, dedicated young artists, selected through a rigorous two-tier audition process.
3. Vancouver Youth Jazz Orchestras (VyJO) is an auditioned jazz big band ensemble for secondary school students (and adding a ‘junior’ VYJO for grades 7-9 in 2025). Students participating in the VyJO will have the opportunity to rehearse/perform with regular members of the VJO and establish relationships with like-minded, dedicated peers.
4. Community Outreach: We are committed to making jazz accessible to all members of the community. Through our outreach programs, we will partner with schools, community centres, and other organizations to offer workshops, masterclasses, and performances that introduce people of all ages to the joys of jazz music.
5. Artist Development: VJO is dedicated to supporting emerging jazz artists in Vancouver. Through mentorship programs, performance opportunities, and relationship building, we provide valuable support and resources to help local musicians develop their skills and advance their careers.
6. Commissioning and Recording: We plan to commission new works by both established and emerging composers, with a focus on diverse voices and local perspectives. Additionally, we will document our performances through studio recordings, adding to the catalogue of big band music created by Vancouver artists and preserving the legacy of their music for future audiences to enjoy.