Strayhorn: The Quiet Revolutionary takes a closer look at one of the most important composers in jazz history. While Billy Strayhorn is often remembered through his decades-long collaboration with Duke Ellington, this concert focuses on Strayhorn’s own musical voice — elegant, adventurous, and unmistakably personal. The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra will perform a program that includes both familiar works and lesser-known compositions, exploring the depth and range of Strayhorn’s writing for big band.
The concert also features newly commissioned arrangements by Regina-based pianist and composer Jihye Im, alongside guest artist André White, one of Canada’s most respected jazz musicians and educators. Together with the SJO, they bring fresh perspective to music that continues to influence jazz composers and performers today. As the final concert of the SJO’s regular season, Strayhorn: The Quiet Revolutionary closes the year with an evening of thoughtful, powerful, and deeply rewarding music.
| Kate Nachilobe | Vocalist |
| Donny Kennedy | Alto / Soprano Saxophone |
| Gerard Weber | Alto Saxophone |
| Trent Reschny | Tenor Saxophone |
| Shannon Fehr | Tenor Saxophone |
| Nathan Degenhart | Baritone Saxophone |
| Dean McNeill | Trumpet / Conductor |
| Adam Streisel | Trumpet |
| Marlouie Saique | Trumpet |
| Ronan Inkster | Trumpet |
| Nick Fanner | Trumpet |
| Alex Samarin | Trombone |
| Keegan Isaac | Trombone |
| Don Schmidt | Trombone |
| Dawn McLean Belyk | Trombone |
| Jihye Im | Piano |
| Emmett Fortosky | Bass |
| Andre White | Drums |
| Nick Fanner | Director |
| Sydney Burns | Alto Saxophone |
| J.S. Guérette DeVink | Alto Saxophone |
| Luke Hu | Alto Saxophone |
| Finn Boyle | Tenor Saxophone |
| Archie McGrath | Tenor Saxophone |
| Anish Bedi | Tenor Saxophone |
| Tyson McBee | Trumpet |
| Benji Lavallee | Trumpet |
| Liv Malinski | Trumpet |
| Olive Forrest | Trumpet |
| Finn Sinclair | Trombone |
| Tian Guo | Trombone |
| Arden Bourassa | Trombone |
| Grace Kurpjuweit | Trombone |
| Lily Morrison | Piano / Vibes |
| Enna Ometlic | Piano / Vibes |
| Luke Stevens | Bass |
| Cruise Dahlgrin | Drums |
| Godswill Ekpenyong | Drums |
| Kaia Pas | Violin |
Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra Set #1
Intermission (15 mins)
Saskatoon Youth Jazz Orchestra
Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra Set #2
