Classical concerts featuring

WDR Big Band

Cyclic Journey - WDR Big Band feat. Marshall Gilkes + Livestream

Young Cats - feat. Simon Comté, Nils Kugelmann & Jakob Helling + Livestream

The WDR Big Band's "Young Cats" concerts showcase exceptional young jazz talents. This time, Belgian saxophonist Simon Comté and Bavarian double bassist Nils Kugelmann are featured. The concerts will be conducted by Jakob Helling.

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.

WDR Big Band feat. Gerald & John Clayton - Father & Son

Wenn es so etwas wie ein Jazz-Gen gibt, dann ist es in der Familie Clayton deutlich hörbar. Als gewandter und vielseitiger Virtuose auf dem Kontrabass ist John Clayton in der Klassik- und der Jazzwelt gleichermaßen zuhause. Seit den achtziger Jahren feierten er und Bruder Jeff mit dem 'Clayton Brothers Jazz Quintet' und dem 'Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra' große Erfolge. Längst ist auch die nächste Generation international bekannt: John Claytons Sohn Gerald, 1984 in den Niederlanden geboren und in Los Angeles aufgewachsen, gilt als einer der wichtigsten Jazzpianisten der jüngeren Generation. Zusammen kommen Vater und Sohn nun zur WDR Big Band.

Jazz@School - Workshoptag

The WDR Big Band invites young jazz musicians to an exclusive coaching session and lunch concert at the WDR Funkhaus. Shortly after, the WDR Big Band will visit schools for a concert, where the school's big band can perform as the opening act. A must for all schools that love jazz.

Four Ladies For Burt – WDR Big Band feat. Les Brünettes

Les Brünettes, a German-French vocal quartet, formed in 2010 at the Mannheim University of Music. Known for their diverse repertoire and sophisticated arrangements, they captivate fans with both a cappella performances and collaborations with renowned instrumental ensembles. Their WDR Big Band debut will be a concert dedicated to Burt Bacharach, featuring their rendition of "I Say a Little Prayer".

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 + 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.

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. 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.