European Jazz Orchestra
One of the largest European big band projects over the years
The European Jazz Orchestra (EJO) was the largest international jazz big band project of its kind at the time.
From 1998, Swinging Europe led the European Jazz Orchestra, or EJO for short. Each year, Swinging Europe, in collaboration with its partners - the European Broadcasting Union, Jazz Producers Club and International Association of Schools of Jazz - selected musicians between the ages of 18 and 30 from across Europe, as well as a conductor.
From 1998 to 2013, around 300 European musicians participated in the annual orchestra, and more than 200 concerts were organised in 35 countries across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.
Throughout Europe, EJO gained widespread recognition for its work with young musicians, many of whom were able to build strong international networks through their participation in the project.
After 16 successful years, the EJO project came to an end in 2013. However, on 8 May 2014, the 2013 EJO ensemble briefly reunited in Ankara for the annual Europe Day. They were invited by the EU Delegation to Turkey to perform as part of the annual celebration and promotion of the European Union in Turkey.
In 2013, EJO consisted of 19 musicians from 15 EU countries, making the orchestra a strong example of collaboration across cultures - an approach that has since become a defining characteristic of Swinging Europe's work. The concert took place in a sold-out concert hall in Ankara.
About the Project
- Our role: Lead Partner
- 300 musicians and more than 200 concerts performed in 35 countries
- Duration: 1998-2013
Partners
- Den Selvejende Institution Swinging Europe (DSI SE) - Lead Partner
- European Broadcasting Union - Partner
- International Association of Schools of Jazz - Partner
- Jazz Producers Club - Partner
Funding
Over the years, the European Jazz Orchestra was supported by Creative Europe, the Danish Ministry of Culture, Herning Municipality and the Danish Arts Foundation.