The composition collective of the “Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra” questions the relationship between tradition and current musical phenomena in its artistic exploration of the large orchestra. For the program of the “Capital of Culture 2024 Salzkammergut”, the tension between the power of tradition and the power of counterculture was explored and transformed into a concert program. Elements of traditional music and established playing techniques are the starting points for the composition process in a more or less abstract form. This concept is particularly appealing in the dynamics of the UAJO, as the instrumentalists are also composers. Each work arises from an individual approach in the realization of this exciting task. This process offers the experienced composers and arrangers as well as an experienced orchestra a nutrient-rich soil and a wealth of conceivable possibilities in the creation of new music. The vocalist Ali Gaggl and the Upper Austrian violinist and composer Johannes Dickbauer expand the sound of the jazz orchestra and build a bridge to the sound aesthetics of other genres.
Upper Austrian Jazz Orchestra - Upper Austria's institution in orchestral jazz
In its 32nd year of existence and after 14 CD recordings with various programs of its own music (“La lampe philosophique”, “Deference to Anton Bruckner”, “Thomas Bernhard groovt” , “Wein , Weib und Gesang”, “Song-Song”, “Ohne Musik wäre das Leben ein Irrtum”, “In the spirit of Hans Koller” and “BWM Project” with F. Paiva“) but also music by and with guests such as Kenny Wheeler, Jack Walrath, Slide Hampton, Johnny Griffin, Michael Gibbs, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mike Stern, Maria Joao, Richard Bona, Mike Mainieri, Richard Gallliano, Jane Monheit, ”Crazy Days with Ed Puddick", Mats Holmquist, Randy Brecker... the UAJO has developed into an institution in the field of creative jazz music, not only in Upper Austria.
A special feature in the design of new programs is the concept of presenting the musicians of the orchestra as composers and arrangers. This results in programs that benefit on the one hand from the diversity of musical approaches of several composers/arrangers, but on the other hand are characterized by the shared experience of over 30 years of continuity. In addition to its artistic activities, the UAJO also performs educational tasks by supervising the OÖ. JugendJazzOrchester and organizes annual big band workshops in Bad Goisern.
