NDR Bigband

Unique among Germany’s radio big bands, the NDR Bigband (The Hamburg Radio Jazz Orchestra) is a jazz ensemble composed of premier soloists of diverse backgrounds and influences whose collective endeavors coalesce to produce an original and striking group sound for a large ensemble. The NDR Bigband lives on its strong personalities. Each musician has his own individual style and his own musical language. But there is one thing on which they all agree: what counts is the sound, the groove, the melody – the music.

1,400 concerts, numerous invitations to festivals in Germany and abroad and more than 80 record releases tell their own story. With around 25 programmes every year, each musician is required to adjust to new challenges again in a short time, with fresh ears. As a publically funded ensemble, the NDR Bigband sees itself as a culture medium.

Tours with world-famous musicians such as Al Jarreau, Randy Brecker, Omar Sosa, Maria Schneider, Bobby McFerrin, Chet Baker and many other artists, not only from the world of jazz, take the NDR Bigband not just to Europe but also to other continents around the world.

Image credit: NDR Bigband © Yvonne Schmedemann I NDR