Zurich Jazz Orchestra featuring Theo Bleckmann (voc)

Ed Partyka and Theo Bleckmann have worked together since 2007 on several projects in Germany and Finland, and since Theo is the new jazz vocal teacher at the ZHDK, it seemed only natural that a collaboration with the ZJO should take place. This was originally supposed to happen last season, but an unfortunate illness kept us from working together. Ed Partyka will arrange Theo’s original compositions as well as a broad repertoire of music ranging from jazz standards to songs from Kate Bush for Theo’s unique voice combined with the many interesting instrumental textures and timbres of the Zurich Jazz Orchestra. This special concert will be modern vocal jazz at its best!

Theo Bleckmann is a multi GRAMMY® nominated vocalist, composer and ECM recording artist who has recorded over 17 albums and collaborated with artists such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Sheila Jordan, Kneebody, Ben Monder, John Hollenbeck, Phil Kline, David Lang, Ulysses Owens, Bang on a Can All-Stars, and, most prominently, with Meredith Monk since 1994. Bleckmann has been interviewed by Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air and appeared on the David Letterman show with Laurie Anderson. He has consistently appeared in top spots in DownBeat polls and is a recipient of the prestigious JAZZ ECHO award from the Deutsche Phono-Akademie in his native Germany. Most recently he released an album with the celebrated brass quartet ‘The Westerlies’, toured Finland with the Oulu Symphony Orchestra and UMO Jazz Big Band performing his repertoire and own compositions. Most notably, Pulitzer-Prize-winning composer David Lang wrote a monodrama for Theo Bleckmann which was commissioned by the Japan Society and directed by legendary actor/director Yoshi Oida. The entire production was taken to Tokyo in Feb of 2023. A recording of it is forthcoming.