Bild © Ben Knabe

"Play", "Write", "Lead" - these are the three focuses, among which the students of the new master studies "Big Band" of the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Frankfurt in cooperation with the Frankfurt Radio Bigband can choose. It is the aim of the young professionals to dive deeper into the orchestral jazz. The students will be regularly supported by renowned big band leaders, composers, and arrangers from all over the world. For two concerts each season, the Frankfurt Radio Bigband will furthermore become a hybrid ensemble as single members of the band will leave their places to the students with the focus "Play". The program of this night was prepared and rehearsed together with the Composer in Residence Jim McNeely.

hr-Bigband & students
Jim McNeely | conductor 


Thursday, November 10th 2022
Frankfurt
hr-Hörfunkstudio II
8 p.m.

Friday, November 11th 2022
Frankfurt
hr-Hörfunkstudio II
8 p.m.

German version and tickets.

The Frankfurt Radio Bigband is looking forward to meeting a true "Rising Star": Linda May Han Oh long shares the stage with jazz greats such as Pat Metheny or Joe Lovano. Yet it took the 37-year-old, who grew up in Australia as the child of Chinese immigrants, quite a while till, after playing the piano, the clarinet, and the bassoon, she finally discovered the bass for herself. Meanwhile Linda May Han Oh lives in New York and has already recorded five albums as a bandleader. However, doing so, she does not always stick to the typical jazz repertoire as the sought-after bassist and composer has a broadly diversified taste in music. Her list of "Favourites" includes the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers as well as many well-known jazz artists. In addition to this, she likes to play with large ensembles. Well, if that isn’t a broad hint…

Bild © Shervin Lainez

Linda May Han Oh | bass
Ayn Insterto |  conductor 


Thursday, November 24th 2022
Darmstadt
Centralstation
8 p.m.

Friday, November 25th 2022
Frankfurt
hr-Sendesaal
8 p.m.


German version and tickets.

It is singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holliday who with their unique song interpretations and brilliant scat solos have influenced generations of jazz vocalists until today. With this program the Frankfurt Radio Bigband bows before the great divas of vocal jazz. Also on board: Claire Martin. The British singer can long look back on an impressive career. For her accomplishments as a vocalist and BBC radio host she even received the Order of the British Empire. And Martin has not only studied Ella, Billie & Co vocally, but also has quite some stories to tell about her idols. Her close colleague Nikki Iles will take the lead. A real "Lady Day"!

Bild © Lisa Wormsley

Claire Martin | vocals, moderation
Nikki Iles |  conductor 


Wednesday, November 30th 2022
Frankfurt
hr-Sendesaal
7 p.m.


German version and tickets.