One of the Largest European Big Band Projects Over the Years
European Jazz Orchestra (EJO) was the largest international jazz big band project to date.
Since 1998, Swinging Europe led the European Jazz Orchestra, or EJO for short. Every year, in collaboration with our partners—the European Broadcasting Union, Jazz Producers Club, and the International Association of Schools of Jazz—Swinging Europe selected musicians aged 18 to 30 from all over Europe, along with a conductor. From 1998 until 2013, around 300 European musicians participated in the annual orchestra, and over 200 concerts were organized in 35 countries across Europe, North and South America, and Asia. In Europe, EJO received great recognition for its work with young musicians, many of whom built a solid international network as a result.
After 16 successful years, the EJO project ended in 2013. However, on May 8, 2014, the 2013 EJO ensemble was briefly reunited in Ankara for the annual EU Day. They were invited by the EU delegation in Turkey to perform on European Day, an annual promotional event for the EU in Turkey. In 2013, EJO consisted of 19 musicians from 15 EU countries, exemplifying the cross-cultural collaboration that Swinging Europe has since made its trademark. The concert took place in a sold-out concert hall in Ankara.
About the Project
Our Role: Lead partner
300 musicians and over 200 concerts played 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
Budget & Funding
Over the years, the European Jazz Orchestra was supported by: Creative Europe, the Ministry of Culture, Herning Municipality, and the Danish Arts Foundation.
