Informations about the Frankfurt Radio Big Band

Composer in Residence and Orchestra

Composer in Residence Darcy James Argue (English)

The Canadian composer and big band leader Darcy James Argue began his musical career in the Montreal jazz scene before making his way to New York, where he has been attracting a great deal of attention for years with his ensemble "Darcy James Argue's Secret Society". Today he arranges and composes for the biggest names in the genre and is active all over the world. Now also as the new composer in residence for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band!

Conductor Laureate Jim McNeely

Jim McNeely has been chief conductor of the Frankfurt Radio Big Band since 2011. He became our Composer in Residence in 2022/23 and stayed an important part of the bands work for many projects. By 2024, the time has come to say goodbye, but Jim will remain our Conductor Laureate.

The Orchestra Top-Class but not Elitist

Today, the Frankfurt Radio Big Band is one of the world's best jazz orchestras of its kind. Based on the playing ideal of jazz, it represents a wide range of styles and genres.