2012-2013 Season has ended. Please check back in July
for information on the upcoming 2013-2014 Season.

Under the artistic direction of Charlie Young - the ensemble’s principle saxophonist for more than 15 years - the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra’s (SJMO) artists bring the legacy of jazz to life, spotlighting the sounds of the greatest composers and performers of the past and present.

“The SJMO is renowned for reviving classic jazz tunes with an engaging blend of fidelity and finesse,” says the Washington Post. Jazz Times hails the group’s “vitality and skill,” and the New Yorker calls it "the best jazz repertory band in the country."

A Sweet Offer: No Price Increases!
Get the best of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra at the best prices!
Members purchase three concerts and get one concert for FREE.

QUICK TIX CODE: BPM8

To learn more about the orchestra, click here.

SEASON CALENDAR

The Music of Benny Carter, Gerry Mulligan, and Lester Young
Sat., October 13

Saxophonists Benny Carter, Coleman Hawkins and a couple other musicians recorded a few tunes in Paris in the ‘30s. What followed were iconic recordings by masters of the saxophone. The SJMO sax and rhythm sections perform highlights from these recordings, including Carter's “Blue Star," Mulligan's "Disc Jockey Jump," and more.

 Swingin’ in the Holidays with Duke Ellington and Shorty Rogers
Sat., December 1 (with Full Orchestra)

The SJMO’s annual holiday concert celebration swings out with Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker” and “Peer Gynt Suite”; Shorty Rogers’ “The Swingin’ Nutcracker”; Benny Carter’s “Sleigh Ride in July”; and more.

The Legacy of Sidney Bechet
Sat., February 23

The great soprano sax player Sidney Bechet—along with other Big Easy jazz pioneers—gave jazz a national audience. Saxophonist Charlie Young leads the SJMO in “Weary Blues," "Muskrat Ramble," and other pieces Bechet put on the musical map.

A Tribute to John Levy
Fri., April 26

The orchestra and guest conductor John Clayton pays tribute to John Levy, the great bassist, and renowned personal manager for many jazz greats.

FULL SERIES (4 concerts)

Programs subject to change.

Please note that the location for the October, February, and April concerts is the Baird Auditorium at the Natural History Museum. The location for the December concert is the Epiphany Church, 1317 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C.