MO Big Band plays Monk

This autumn the Metropole Orkest Big Band will honour an amazing jazz legend during four concerts. In October, the Big Band serenates the legendary Thelonious Monk. This year the American pianist would have celebrated his 100th birthday – a perfect reason for the MO Big Band to breathe new life into his nowadays’ still valuable compositions.

The idea for this small tour originally came from Japanese conductor and composer Miho Hazama. She put emphasis on the fact that Monk has not only been an amazing pianist, but that he should be remembered for his unique and creative compositions. “He wrote very innovative music of simple melody with inventive harmonies. Most of my arrangements will be orchestration from Monk’s piano solo performance.”

Some time passed since the last time, but once again, there will be a woman leading the MO musicians. “I don’t think that being a woman defines me as a conductor, at least ‘not purposely’. I think my identity is unique enough, and so I can’t help but showing it naturally. Precise to music form and hopefully colourful as well. Adding colours to music is always what I have in mind as a musician.”

For a long time, Miho’s wish was to work with the Metropole Orkest. “To me, the MO is the only professional jazz philharmonic orchestra in the world, that has a very sophisticated sound, and also one of a few orchestras that can deliver emotions through music/ groove very well. My ‘dream band’ for over 15 years.”