The 2014-15 Columbus Jazz Orchestra season comes to an exciting close this weekend as composer, conductor, and arranger Maria Schneider will lead the orchestra in a program entitled Big Band Evolution. This 90-minute performance of Schneider’s compositions will be presented at the Southern Theatre on Friday, May 1st, and Saturday, May 2nd at 8pm each night (tickets available here). Schneider, often cited as one of the greatest jazz composers active today, won three Grammy Awards, in both “jazz” and “classical” categories, for Winter Morning Walks, her 2013 album with vocalist Dawn Upshaw. Along with her musical achievements, she has also helped revolutionize album funding through her use of ArtistShare, which is releasing their fourth Schneider album, The Thompson Fields, on May 15th. This is surely a can’t miss performance, and a fitting finale for a very successful CJO season. Keep reading for a season-ending message from Byron Stripling and a taste of Schneider’s work:
2015-04-27