Maria Schneider Orchestra

Maria Schneiders musical output has been praised by critics as evocative, grand, enchanting, breathtakingly beautiful, and beyond classification. She and her 18-piece ensemble have performed in concert venues worldwide and have earned seven Grammy Awards, numerous Jazz Journalist Association awards, and many Downbeat and JazzTimes Readers and Critics Poll honors. Schneiders music transcends genre boundaries, resulting in a diverse roster of commissions ranging from jazz to classical, dance, and collaborations with David Bowie. She is among the few artists to receive Grammys across multiple genresboth jazz and classicaland for her work with Bowie. She holds honorary doctorates from the University of Minnesota and Eastman School of Music. In 2019, the National Endowment for the Arts conferred upon Schneiders the highest honor in American jazz, designating her an NEA Jazz Master. Musicians performing in her orchestra this week at Birdland include: ReedsSteve Wilson, Dave Pietro, Rich Perry, Donny McCaslin, John Ellis, Scott Robinson; TrumpetsTony Kadleck, Greg Gisbert, Nadje Noordhuis, Michael Dudley, Mike Rodriguez; TrombonesKeith OQuinn, Ryan Keberle, Marshall Gilkes, George Flynn; AccordionJulien Labro; GuitarJeff Miles; PianoGary Versace; BassJay Anderson; DrumsJohnathan Blake and Rudy Royston.