American saxophonist Joe Lovano — boasting more than 50 albums and 14 Grammy nominations — brings his singular sound to Copenhagen for an evening with the DR Big Band and chief conductor Miho Hazama. Lovano has long been recognised as one of the most influential voices in contemporary jazz.
The centrepiece of the evening is the world premiere of 'Prism', a brand-new large-scale work composed by Danish saxophonist and composer Lars Møller. Written in close collaboration with Lovano during the summer of 2026 in New York, the piece explores how Lovano has made the historical language of the saxophone entirely his own. It draws on the big-band tradition of Thad Jones and Bob Brookmeyer while also embracing freer passages inspired by Lovano's collaborations with Ornette Coleman.
Beyond the premiere, the programme features jazz highlights from DR Big Band's rich archive, giving Lovano ample opportunity to showcase his warm, husky tenor sound and extraordinary instrumental mastery in close interplay with the ensemble.
Lineup
Joe Lovano
Joe Lovano is an American saxophonist with over 50 albums and 14 Grammy nominations to his name, widely regarded as one of the world's most important and influential jazz musicians. His distinctive warm, husky tenor sound and restless artistic energy have earned him star status in the jazz world, and he has collaborated with artists including Ornette Coleman.
Lars Møller
Lars Møller is a Danish composer and saxophonist who co-created the new work 'Prism' with Joe Lovano in New York during the summer of 2026, drawing on Lovano's personal saxophone language and the big-band traditions of Thad Jones and Bob Brookmeyer.
DR Big Band
DR Big Band is DR's professional jazz and swing ensemble, featured here bringing the swinging sound of the 1940s and 50s dance hall era to the Ballroom Dreams concert.
Miho Hazama
Miho Hazama is the Grammy-nominated chief conductor of DR Big Band, celebrated for her original compositions and her ability to fuse jazz tradition with contemporary creativity. She holds star status in Japan and is releasing her new album 'Frames' on Edition Records, featuring entirely her own compositions.
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