WDR Big Band meets Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

WDR Big Band meets Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Israeli conductor Lahav Shani's residency at the Dortmund Konzerthaus concludes with a special concert featuring his brother, jazz saxophonist and trumpeter Rom Shani. They will perform with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the WDR Big Band, playing pieces like Ellington's "Nutcracker Suite".

WDR Big Band feat. Kurt Elling

Kurt Elling, a renowned jazz vocalist, sees himself in the tradition of classic jazz, aiming to "keep the ball in the air." A multilingual singer, poet, and "instrument imitator," Elling brings a unique vocal artistry to his collaborations with the WDR Big Band, led by Bob Mintzer.

WDR Big Band feat. Chris Potter

Chris Potter, known for his energetic and intuitive saxophone playing, is a prominent figure in the American jazz scene. Also a skilled composer and arranger, the Chicago-born musician started professionally at 13, playing with greats like Charles Mingus and Red Rodney by his early 20s. Now, jazz giants seek him out, as evidenced by his latest CD featuring Brad Mehldau and others.

WDR Big Band feat. Chris Potter

Chris Potter, known for his energetic and intuitive saxophone playing, is a prominent figure in the American jazz scene. Also a skilled composer and arranger, the Chicago-born musician played his first professional concert at 13. In his early 20s, he performed with greats like Charles Mingus. Now, jazz giants seek him out, as evidenced by his latest CD featuring Brad Mehldau and other renowned musicians, with Mike Holober leading the project.

Jazz mal anders: Big Band meets Theremin

An exciting and unusual evening of music awaits, blending the theremin with jazz. Carolina and the WDR jazz musicians will showcase their diverse talents, playing everything from jazz standards to pop. The show at Cologne's Philharmonic Hall will also include a brief introductory lesson on the theremin, making this a unique event for curious music lovers.

WDR Big Band feat. Simon Oslender | WDR Jazzpreis 2025

For over 20 years, the WDR Jazz Prize has been awarded to musicians based in North Rhine-Westphalia. The WDR Big Band reliably performs the winning compositions. This year, they're touring NRW with the latest winner, Cologne musician Simon Oslender. The pianist, organist, keyboard player, and composer impressed the jury with his exceptional artistic development, international stage presence, and significance for NRW's jazz scene. His innovative, open Hammond organ sound has earned him special recognition, reaching a broad audience. Oslender collaborated with jazz giants like Bill Evans and Wolfgang Haffner, and frequently with the WDR Big Band, early in his career.

WDR Big Band feat. Simon Oslender | WDR Jazzpreis 2025

For over 20 years, the WDR Jazz Prize has been awarded to musicians based in North Rhine-Westphalia. The WDR Big Band reliably performs the winning compositions. This year, they're touring NRW with the latest winner, Cologne musician Simon Oslender. The pianist, organist, keyboard player, and composer impressed the jury with his exceptional artistic development, international stage presence, and significance for NRW's jazz scene. His innovative, open Hammond organ sound has earned him special recognition, reaching a broad audience. Oslender collaborated with jazz giants like Bill Evans and Wolfgang Haffner, and frequently with the WDR Big Band, early in his career.

WDR Big Band feat. Simon Oslender | WDR Jazzpreis 2025 + Livestream

For over 20 years, the WDR Jazz Prize has been awarded to musicians based in North Rhine-Westphalia. The WDR Big Band partners with the winners, performing their compositions. This year, they're touring with Cologne musician Simon Oslender. The pianist, organist, keyboardist, and composer impressed the jury with his artistic development, international presence, and importance to the NRW jazz scene, particularly his innovative and open Hammond organ sound.

John & Joey - WDR Big Band feat. Joey Alexander

John & Joey – WDR Big Band feat. Joey Alexander

Joey Alexander, a highly gifted jazz musician born in Bali in 2003, started playing Thelonious Monk’s music by ear at kindergarten age. Now 21, he leads his own band, possesses a unique voice in jazz, and is praised by renowned musician and arranger John Clayton for his musical depth. Alexander will premiere with the WDR Big Band, led by Clayton.