Under the artistic direction of maestro Charlie Young, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra has celebrated some of the greatest jazz music throughout its 32-year history as one of the crown jewels of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This SJMO season promises to continue that tradition in a series of standout concerts, all of which are held in person.

To kick off the annual worldwide celebration of jazz, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra offers a soundtrack filled with rhythm, texture, and color as it showcases the work of prominent 20th–century visual artists including William Sharp, John Fenton, and Romare Bearden. "Be-Bop" by Dizzy Gillespie, "Crying and Singing" by McKinney's Cotton Pickers, and "Kingdom of Not" by Sun Ra are among the musical selections.

2022-2023 Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Concerts

• February 18: Mamie Smith, Bessie Smith, and the Centennial Year of Race Records
• June 10: Duke Ellington

General Information

• This concert will be held at the Baird Auditorium at the National Museum of Natural History.
• Refer to our health and safety information for in-person programs.
• No series tickets are available.