UI Repertory Jazz Orchestra

In addition to a program reflecting the rich history of Big Band music, the U of I Repertory Jazz Orchestra and Dance Department are proud to, once again, spectacularly present the “other” Nutcracker Suite.

The U of I Repertory Jazz Orchestra’s "charter" is, as its name states, to play, examine, and perform music from the vast, 100+ year catalogue of Big Band music. Arguably, two of the most important writers of this music were Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. A full half of the RJO program will be the second annual collaboration with the U of I Dance Department in presenting Ellington and Strayhorn’s rethinking of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.