Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra | 'Connections: East Meets West' Album Release

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s eighth album - Connections: East Meets West - showcases new works by acclaimed Canadian composers Fred Stride and Jean-Nicolas Trottier. A key goal of the WJO is fostering connections between jazz performers and composers across Canada.

Several years ago, the WJO approached Montreal-based Trottier to propose a collaborative commission. Without hesitation, he suggested Fred Stride, whom he had met in 2011 when Stride was presenting masterclasses at the University of Montreal. The collaboration resulted in the stunning nine-movement suite featured on this album.

Both Stride and Trottier are prolific jazz composers, and the WJO is thrilled to spotlight their work in this project. Unfortunately, neither composer will be present at the album release concert.

-

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO) is Canada’s first community-based, non-profit professional jazz orchestra. Founded in 1997 (registered charity in 2000), the WJO has matured to become an important part of Winnipeg’s cultural landscape, reflected in the ongoing support the organization receives from the Manitoba Arts Council, the Winnipeg Arts Council, the Winnipeg Foundation, and other sponsors.
​
The mandate of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is to be an instrumental force in the promotion and development of big band jazz in Manitoba and beyond, through performance, composition, recording and education.

-

Jazz at the Fort Garry Hotel is located in The Club Room on the lower level of The Fort Garry Hotel. The venue is wheelchair accessible with assistance - please inform the hotel's front desk staff if you'd like to use the elevator to access the lower level.