The HfM Jazz Orchestra is the large-scale showpiece project of the jazz course. From big band tradition to modern jazz orchestra - under the direction of Jörn Marcussen-Wulff, the ensemble enables students to develop their playing skills and stylistic confidence. In addition to intensive orchestral rehearsals, regular section rehearsals and sight-reading are an integral part of the ensemble's work.
The HfM Jazz Orchestra also offers students the opportunity to rehearse and work on their own arrangements or compositions. Public concerts and workshops with renowned guest artists take place regularly.
Body and Soul: HfM Jazz Orchestra plays music by Peter Herbolzheimer under the direction of Erik van Liers
The "HfM Jazz Orchestra" of the University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar presents a dynamic concert of the music of Peter Herbolzheimer, one of the most important big band leaders of the 20th century in Europe. On Thursday, 18 January 2024 at 19:30 in the Festsaal Fürstenhaus, the jazz orchestra, conducted by Dutch jazz trombonist Erik van Lier and Jörn Marcussen-Wulff, will get your feet tapping.
The vocal ensemble "Die Katze im Sack", rehearsed by Prof Juan M.V. Garcia, will also perform for part of the evening. Admission is free.
Peter Herbolzheimer was the founder and long-time director of the Bundesjazzorchester (Bujazzo). Not least because of this commitment, he has had a decisive influence on the German jazz scene. As a trombonist, arranger and composer, he worked for renowned jazz musicians and ensembles.
Several original compositions by the jazz great, who died in 2010, will be performed, including "Filibuster" and "Just like that". But his arrangements of classics such as "La Fiesta", "Heartland", "Body & Soul" and "Night in Tunesia" will also take centre stage. Jörn Marcussen-Wulff, director of the "HfM Jazz Orchestra", himself played under the musician in the Bujazzo.
Erik van Lier, who has played in numerous big bands in the Netherlands and Germany and learnt from leading bass trombonists in the USA, will be conducting the concert. He himself was a member of the band "Peter Herbolzheimer Rhythm Combination & Brass".
"As a long-time companion of Peter Herbolzheimer, there is hardly anyone who knows this music better than him," reports Jörn Marcussen-Wulff, who himself was taught by Erik van Lier: "Even back then, I was impressed by Erik's way of working out music and rehearsing efficiently. I am delighted that our students have the chance to experience him and learn from him."
The "HfM Jazz Orchestra" was founded in 1996 and has since developed into one of the best orchestras in the region. The orchestra regularly works with major players on the jazz scene, composers and arrangers as well as guest conductors and guest soloists.
Stylistically, the ensemble is primarily active in the contemporary music scene between jazz and new trends. In addition, the musicians are constantly exploring the repertoire of legendary big bands such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Thad Jones as well as the music of composers such as Bob Mintzer and Bob Brookmeyer.
The vocal ensemble "Die Katze im Sack" is mainly made up of school music students. The 12 singers sing individually miked pop/jazz choral pieces. The arrangements, developed at the highest level, are written by the students themselves. The vocal ensemble is directed by Prof Juan M.V. Garcia.
[19 December 2023]