Mike Westbrook Orchestra

The Mike Westbrook Orchestra is a pioneering British jazz ensemble led by composer, pianist, and bandleader Mike Westbrook. Emerging in the 1960s, the Orchestra became known for its innovative large-scale jazz compositions that often fused elements of classical music, British folk, and avant-garde experimentation. Over the decades, Westbrook has assembled ever-evolving groups of top-tier musicians to bring his bold musical visions to life.

Known for ambitious projects like "The Cortège" and "On Duke's Birthday," the Mike Westbrook Orchestra has consistently pushed boundaries in orchestral jazz. Albums like Westbrook-Rossini and Catania (Live in Sicily 1992) showcase the group's sweeping arrangements, theatrical flair, and deep musicality. Whether reimagining the works of Rossini or paying tribute to jazz legends like Duke Ellington, the Orchestra continues to be a dynamic force in the European jazz scene.

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