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History
In early 2005, Adrian Cho presented the first repertory jazz concert series. This first concert, The Magic of Miles Davis, set new standards in Ottawa jazz performances for its depth of programming, educational content and diversity of talent, bringing together both jazz and symphony musicians. Critical acclaim for the concert led to an encore performance in the prestigious Connoisseur Series of the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
The following year, Cho scaled up with two concerts in celebration of Black History Month. Voices in a Strange Land told the story of African-American vocal music while Suite Freedom brought together twenty-five musicians for a small and large group performances of music by Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and John Coltrane. This ground-breaking concert led to a debut performance in the Studio Series of Ottawa International Jazz Festival for what would become known as the Impressions in Jazz Orchestra (IJO).
In late 2006, Cho established an organisation of volunteers to support the ongoing activities of a permanent orchestra like no other. In early 2007, the IJO was incorporated as a non-profit corporation with a mission to preserve the rich heritage of the jazz repertory in addition to exploring new music. It pursued this mission through innovative programming, audience outreach and artistic collaborations.
From 2007 to 2010, the IJO performed in over twenty highly acclaimed concerts, presenting premieres of seminal jazz works and bringing together jazz and symphony musicians, dancers, actors and visual artists. The ensemble also became sought after by event organizers such as the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission for it unique presentations. In the swing dance community, the IJO earned a reputation as one of the hottest swing dance bands performing today. Here’s a list of all the events presented under the IJO banner:
2005
- The Magic of Miles Davis
- Ottawa International Jazz Festival 2005 (Connoisseur Series)
2006
- Voices in a Strange Land
- Suite Freedom
- Ottawa International Jazz Festival 2006 (Studio Series)
2007-2008
- Overture
- In the Mode with Miles
- The 1920s
- The Duke & The Bard
- The 1940s
- Swing Explosion Gala
- The Genius of Gil Evans
- Jazz Vespers
- The Canuckracker
- Cult Fiction Classics
2008-2009
- Jazz Vespers
- Concert by Candlelight
- Tribute to Stan Kenton
- Jazz in the Park
- Rebirth of the Cool
- Swing Explosion Gala
- Benny Goodman @ Carnegie Hall
- Canadian Shag Dance Championships
- Whose Solo Is It Anyway?
- Masterpieces: Ellington + Peaslee
2009-2010
- Concert in the Park
- Garden Party
- Ellington: From Cotton Club to Concert Hall
- Swing Explosion Gala
- When Joni Met Mingus
- Jazz Vespers: Advent
- Canadian Shag Dance Championships
- Whose Solo Is It This Time?
- Jazz Vespers: Concert for Haitian Relief
- Ellington: The Sacred Concerts
- Jazz Vespers: Easter
In 2010, the orchestra was renamed as the Ottawa Jazz Orchestra and has continued its tradition of presenting uniquely entertaining and educational jazz concerts. Here’s a list of past OJO events beginning in 2010: