The Australian National Jazz Orchestra is the brainchild of Sydney Saxophonist and Bandleader David Theak.
ANJO was formed in 2017, to present leading Australian jazz performers, new Australian compositions, and create opportunities for Australia's finest jazz musicians and composers to have their work performed, recorded, broadcast and published.
As individuals, the musicians of ANJO, enjoy international reputations as some of Australia's leading jazz musicians. ANJO’s members include 10 National Jazz Award Winners, 13 National Jazz Awards finalists, recipients of 23 Australian Bell Awards, 12 Freedman Fellowship Winners and finalists, multiple ARIA award winners and represent the leading jazz performers, composers and musicians of their respective state-based jazz scenes brought together to form an elite Australian ensemble.
In 2020 ANJO created the ANJO Youth Big Band, the first of its kind elite, auditioned, Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra.
“a powerhouse rhythm section...outstanding soloists...intricate and inventive writing expertly propelled by these outstanding musicians”
Our Vision
Dynamic, agile and committed to championing Australian original music, ANJO is the leading Jazz Orchestra in Australia and a driving force behind the advocacy of large ensemble jazz in Australia.
Our Mission
ANJO facilitates the creation, performance, presentation, broadcast & recording of original Australian Jazz music for large ensembles
Our Values
to facilitate music performance at the highest level and offer our audiences profound and challenging musical experiences.
to provide intergenerational, diverse and equal opportunities to the jazz sector
to provide professional pathways and opportuntites for elite musicians and composers to have their art expressed in a professional environment
to further improve the quality of jazz performance & education through mentorships, the operation of the ANJO Youth Big Band to provide opportunities for elite young musicians
Our Dreams
to develop ANJO into a state subsidised, salaried orchestra comprising nineteen full-time jazz musicians and four full time arts management professionals that enjoy the same professional conditions, job security, artistic integrity and workplace conditions as our classical symphonic and operatic colleagues
to commission, develop, rehearse and present four performance seasons per year of cutting edge collaborations with Australian and International artists including radio broadcasts, National touring, album releases, and educational activites that engage high school age musicians of the future
develop a partnership with a world class performance venue for rehearsals, masterclasses, performances and administrative headquarters
ongoing facilitation of the National Youth Big Band including more guest artist collaborations, broadcasts and performances
annual composition prize and recording project for four early to middle career jazz composers
“the most formidable assemblage of Australian jazz musicians since the ‘80’s”