The Antwerp Jazz Orchestra, led by Kurt Van Herck, will be playing the Charles Mingus repertoire.
Mingus (1922–1979) was one of the most idiosyncratic and influential voices in twentieth-century jazz. As a double bass player, composer and band leader, he constantly explored the boundaries of the genre, with music that is deeply rooted in gospel, blues and classical music, while leaving room for wild improvisation and collective freedom. His compositions are often socially and politically charged, with sharp comments on injustice and racism. Albums such as Mingus Ah Um and pieces such as Fables of Faubus or Goodbye Pork Pie Hat belong to the canon of jazz history.
The Antwerp Jazz Orchestra is an international big band made up of students, alumni and teachers from the jazz department of the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp. Saxophonist and teacher Kurt Van Herck took over from founder Bert Joris in 2023.
The Antwerp Jazz Orchestra has previously collaborated with big-name musicians such as Chris Potter (2022) and Joshua Redman. Last year they paid tribute to Duke Ellington, and now it is the turn of the music of Charles Mingus. The big band will perform arrangements of Mingus' most iconic works, including “Fables of Faubus”, “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”, “Duke Ellington's Sound of Love”, “Gunslinging Bird”, “Haitian Fight Song”, “Song with Orange” and “Work Song”. These timeless compositions are brought to life with respect for tradition and a fresh, contemporary look.