UConn Jazz Ensemble

About this event

The UConn Jazz Ensemble is directed by John Mastroianni.

The UConn Jazz Ensemble presents performances that reflect the full artistic spectrum of the jazz tradition, combining historical depth with contemporary innovation. Concert programs regularly draw from the classic big band repertoire of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones, and other seminal composers and arrangers whose works shaped the language of jazz and continue to influence musicians around the world. At the same time, the ensemble is committed to performing music by today’s most forward-thinking composers and arrangers, exposing students and audiences to the evolving sound of modern jazz.

Recent performances have featured works by internationally acclaimed artists whose music incorporates contemporary harmonic, rhythmic, and orchestral concepts, demonstrating the ensemble’s versatility and artistic ambition. An important component of the ensemble’s identity is the presentation of original compositions and arrangements by UConn jazz faculty members and renowned guest artists. These works provide students with the opportunity to collaborate directly with active composers and performers, engaging in the creative process from rehearsal to performance. The result is a concert experience that is both educational and artistically vibrant.

The ensemble’s repertoire also extends beyond traditional swing and modern jazz to include Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban music, funk, fusion, and other styles that have become integral parts of the jazz idiom. This wide-ranging programming challenges students to develop stylistic fluency, improvisational flexibility, and a deep understanding of jazz as a living, continually evolving art form. Whether performing a timeless standard, a cutting-edge contemporary work, or a newly composed piece by a faculty artist, the UConn Jazz Ensemble strives to present concerts that are engaging, innovative, and representative of the rich diversity of jazz performance today.

From von der Mehden Recital Hall