The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is considered by many to be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary big bands.

Founder/Director Tommy Smith established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with a crystal clear artistic vision and core values of versatility, discipline and expression.

It should therefore come as no surprise that many of the leading lights in world jazz have enthusiastically shared the stage with the SNJO. People like Jazzmeia Horn, Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth, John Scofield, Gary Burton, Bobby Watson, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Bill Evans, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Keith Tippett, Branford Marsalis, Joe Locke and many more have all joined the orchestra to explore virtually every room in the house of the jazz.

The SNJO repertoire has included re-imaginings of works by the great, the good and the gigantic, including Weather Report, Herman, Rich, Carter, Strayhorn, Goodman, Kenton, Basie, Gillespie, Mingus, Jaco, Corea, Monk, Metheny, Shorter, Miles and Coltrane. They have also recorded vivid interpretations of Mozart, Prokofiev, Piazzolla, Gershwin and Ellington to rave reviews and have built a growing library of original compositions underpinned by a deep understanding and appreciation of improvisation.

The mission of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is to cultivate and expand the community for orchestral jazz, through creative performance and education, inspiring and growing audiences, enhancing the reputation of jazz from Scotland on the world stage.

“An orchestra that brings absolute assurance and collective panache to its every assignment.” Rob Adams

Please get in touch below to learn more about booking opportunities for the following SNJO touring shows.

Apr 2024 RSNO Collaboration - RHAPSODY IN BLUE with Makoto Ozone
Sep 2024 Kurt Elling Swings The Classics
Nov 2024 New Perspectives of Ellingtonia (new commissions)
Jan 2025 Discovering The Genius of Dundee’s Jimmy Duechar
Mar 2025 ‘21 SPICES’ featuring Indian Percussionist Trilok Gurtu

Download previous SNJO show programmes here.