the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra at Ferguson Center for the Arts

The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) was founded in 1990 with an appropriation from the U.S. Congress in recognition of the importance of jazz in American culture and its status as a national treasure. The orchestra, led by Artistic and Musical Director Charlie Young, serves as the orchestra-in-residence at the National Museum of American History, Division of Cultural History. The orchestra recreates big-band jazz as its composers and arrangers intended it to be played, stripping away intervening changes and alterations. The SJMO has rediscovered old classics and more recently has begun premiering new works all in tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald...

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The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra (SJMO) was founded in 1990 with an appropriation from the U.S. Congress in recognition of the importance of jazz in American culture and its status as a national treasure. The orchestra, led by Artistic and Musical Director Charlie Young, serves as the orchestra-in-residence at the National Museum of American History, Division of Cultural History. The orchestra recreates big-band jazz as its composers and arrangers intended it to be played, stripping away intervening changes and alterations. The SJMO has rediscovered old classics and more recently has begun premiering new works all in tribute to the great Ella Fitzgerald. Composed of musicians drawn from across the United States, the orchestra plays authentic and compelling performances of the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie and many other masters. Delores King Williams performs as vocalist.

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