A message from our Artistic Director

The IJO is an exciting initiative that is taking place right here in Canada's capital. Until the formation of the IJO, Ottawa did not have a professional jazz repertory ensemble. While other cities (very few in Canada, more in the United States) have jazz repertory orchestras, none are quite like the IJO.

The IJO is far more than just a jazz repertory orchestra. It's a symphonic jazz orchestra with multiple performing ensembles comprised of some of the finest professional jazz and symphony orchestra musicians in the capital region. The mission of this ensemble is to entertain and inform audiences with not just performances but unique and innovative presentations of jazz-centric music in all its forms.

Furthermore this is an ensemble and an organisation that is founded on a simple but very important set of ideals. We are all about being accessible, approachable, having fun and making friends, even while we deliver performances of the highest standards for which we've received critical acclaim.

Support of the IJO with a financial gift:

• Helps us preserve some of the most significant music of the 20th century. This is music that is supremely entertaining yet has been rarely or never performed in Canada. Our unique and innovative presentations keep this music alive.
• Helps us educate audiences about the rich and diverse cultural heritage of jazz. Using programme notes, listening parties, pre-concert talks, in-concert narratives and other methods of delivery, we're telling all the wonderful stories behind the music we perform.
• Helps us stage presentations that are approachable, affordable and accessible. Both artists and audiences enjoy our fun and down-to-earth approach.
• Helps us build artistic collaborations. Collaborations with other music ensembles, and dance, theatre, literary and visual artists are a key element of our programming. Through these partnerships, we are helping other artists to reach a new audience while we each grow creatively in the process.
• Helps us expand the audience for jazz and live music in Ottawa.

Our supporters receive a great set of benefits that helps them get the most from their IJO experience.

I hope you will be inspired to support this very worthwhile and exciting endeavour. By doing so, you'll be joining a group of people who are sharing in a vision that is bringing great music and a whole lot more to Ottawa.

Sincerely

Adrian Cho
Founder and Artistic Director

January 21, 2007