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’s that it was missing this kind of Jazz Orchestra. One that had annual “concert seasons,” regular performances, and world renown guest artists.
The VJO is also unique in its commitment to diversity and inclusion of a wide range of local artists through rotating personnel from one concert to the next. In this way, the VJO is inclusive of not only the many exemplary, established professionals in town, but also of the up and coming talent we value so much.
Three years later, the VJO has already commissioned new works and performed with some of the biggest names in Jazz including saxophonist Seamus Blake, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, and organist Brian Charette. Perhaps most importantly, we have provided ongoing mentorship and performance opportunities to young artists through the annual scholarship competition, the Youth Jazz Orchestra, and the VJO itself; all working together to pave the way for a vibrant future for Vancouver’s jazz scene.
Established in 2022, the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra (VJO) has quickly become a prominent fixture in the Vancouver music scene. Led by a team of passionate musicians and educators, we strive to uphold the rich tradition of jazz while also exploring new horizons and showcasing our incredible local talent. Our repertoire spans a wide range of styles, from classic big band standards to contemporary compositions, with an eye towards not only highlighting Vancouver’s rich musical past, but connecting that legacy to new works and future voices of the music.
VJO will oer 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: VJO will present annual concert seasons featuring performances by our talented ensemble as well as guest artists from around the world. These concerts will showcase the depth and diversity of Vancouver’s jazz scene while providing audiences with unforgettable musical experiences.
2. Fraser MacPherson Jazz Scholarship: Named in honour of BC’s great musician and cultural ambassador, this scholarship program oers financial assistance and educational opportunities for secondary and post-secondary age jazz students. The scholarships are offered annually to approximately 6-8 students who have proven themselves, through a two- tiered audition process, to be exceptional and dedicated.
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 likeminded, dedicated peers.
3. 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 oer workshops, masterclasses, and performances that introduce people of all ages to the joys of jazz music.
4. 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.
5. 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.