Two world premieres by noted guest choreographers and the revival of an acclaimed work by jazz dance artist and faculty member Danny Buraczeski were featured works of the Spring Dance Concert presented by SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. Photographer Kim Leeson was on hand to capture the show.
There’s a common characteristic across the performances and players of the Meadows Jazz Orchestra: rapt focus. The 25 member ensemble features SMU students that range from first-year to graduate-level and are enrolled in degree performances such as music performance, music education, music theory pedagogy, sacred music, engineering, statistics, and business. It’s a group of diverse focus and steadfast fun.
On Thursday, March 19, the MJO will play a lively noontime concert in the Taubman Atrium. The group’s led by Meadows’ own Dylan Smith. This concert will be a preview of the MJO spring concert that will take place in Greer Garson Theatre at 8 PM on Friday, April 24th. The MJO explores the traditions of large ensemble jazz from the traditions of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Buddy Rich, Gordon Goodwin, Tom Kubis, and other jazz greats.
In advance, here’s a look at the innovative ensemble.