Martin Uherek

The Slovak National Jazz Orchestra will present an evening dedicated to two prominent figures in the world of jazz and big band music: Bob Mintzer and Don Sebesky. The program will showcase their original works, as well as the signature compositions and arrangements that have significantly shaped the landscape of modern jazz orchestral music. Bob Mintzer is one of the most significant contemporary jazz saxophonists, composers, and arrangers. He is a long-standing member and one of the leaders of the legendary jazz group Yellowjackets, for which he has created numerous compositions and arrangements. As a composer and arranger, he has collaborated with leading jazz orchestras and artists, and since 2014, he has served as the chief conductor of the WDR Big Band in Cologne. His work has received multiple Grammy nominations, and in 2002, he won a Grammy Award for the album *Homage to Count Basie*, recorded with his own big band. Don Sebesky was an American composer, arranger, and conductor, and a pivotal figure in jazz orchestration during the second half of the 20th century. As an arranger, he collaborated with such luminaries as Wes Montgomery, Paul Desmond, Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, Chet Baker, Barbra Streisand, and Tony Bennett. His work bridged the worlds of jazz and symphonic music, and his arrangements significantly influenced the sound of recordings released by labels such as Verve, A&M, and CTI. He has won three Grammy Awards—including honors for his arrangements of "Waltz for Debby" and "Chelsea Bridge" and for the composition "Joyful Noise Suite." He is also the author of the acclaimed textbook *The Contemporary Arranger*, which is used at music schools worldwide. The Slovak National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is the only professional 18-piece big band in Slovakia with its own residency and a regular concert season in Bratislava. It brings together leading Slovak jazz artists and musicians from abroad (Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and the USA). Its programming focuses on original works by Slovak composers, new arrangements, and the global big-band repertoire. Throughout the season, the SNJO regularly collaborates with distinguished guest artists from both Slovakia and abroad. Venue: V-klub Námestie SNP 471/12 811 06 Bratislava Admission: €30 / Students, persons with disabilities, and seniors: €25. Follow the Slovak National Jazz Orchestra: Facebook: facebook.com/snjo.sk Instagram: instagram.com/snjo_official YouTube: youtube.com/@snjomusic TikTok: tiktok.com/@snjo_official Website: www.snjo.sk