The Brussels Jazz orchestra (BJO) is not the kind of jazz orchestra that sticks to standards. It prefers to achieve the highest level by composing original music, creating unique arrangements and playing inventively as well as passionately.

BJO really is jazz with a dynamic orchestral sound and a classic strength in which each musician is also a brilliant soloist. Call it an ‘orchestrated passion for jazz’ that incites BJO to create world-class music.

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra was founded in 1993 by artistic director Frank Vaganée, Serge Plume and Marc Godfroid. Since 1999 the Brussels Jazz Orchestra is recognised and subsidised by the Flemish Government. Brussels Jazz Orchestra is orchestra in residence at Flagey (Brussels).

In addition to BJO’s own productions, the orchestra works with well known musicians from all over the world, such as Maria Schneider (US), Kenny Werner (US), Dave Liebman (US), Dave Douglas (US), Gianluigi Trovesi (IT), McCoy Tyner (US), Maria Joao (Portugal), Kenny Wheeler (GB), Lee Konitz (US), Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Bert Joris, deFilharmonie, Tutu Puoane, Brussels Philharmonic, David Linx, ’t Arsenaal, Richard Galliano and others. In that way, BJO has established a reputation at home and on relevant jazz stages abroad. 

The recordings of the orchestra are internationally acclaimed and awarded. In February 2012 BJO indirectly won an Oscar for its performance on the soundtrack of silent movie The Artist.