Jazz like never before
2025/26 SEASON
A tribute to Quincy Jones
feat. Lisa Fischer & José James
Sat Oct 18 | 8 PM
The Soraya, Northridge
feat. Aloe Blacc, Sy Smith & Brenna Whitaker
Sat Dec 13 | 8 PM
The Alex Theatre, Glendale
Valentines Day with Veronica Swift
Sat Feb 14 | 8 PM
The Soraya, Northridge
A tribute to Miles David & John Coltrane
feat. Emmet Cohen, Sean Jones & Jacob Scesney
Thur May 28 | 7:30 PM
The Wallis, Beverly Hills
The Pacific Jazz Orchestra®
The Pacific Jazz Orchestra® (PJO) is Los Angeles' premier 40-piece ensemble for jazz and beyond, redefining the orchestral jazz experience. With an annual concert season featuring five distinct projects and an impressive lineup of guest artists, the PJO transcends genres to present a vibrant array of musical styles. Performances take place across select LA venues, showcasing the city’s rich cultural and musical diversity.
As the only orchestra of its kind in the United States, the PJO epitomizes the spirit of jazz—America’s original art form—brought to life by the unmatched talent of LA’s finest musicians. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, the PJO boasts an advisory board that includes legends like David Foster, Quincy Jones, Monica Mancini, Alan Bergman, Rickey Minor, Harvey Mason Jr., and Ledisi.
Artistic Director
CHRIS WALDEN, artistic director and conductor of the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, is a 7-time Grammy-nominated composer/arranger, who has worked with Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Paul McCartney, Diana Krall, Aretha Franklin, Rihanna, Seal, Barbra Streisand, John Legend, Herb Alpert, and many more. He serves as lead arranger at the Oscars and has conducted the LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Metropole Orkest, Boston Pops, Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, WDR Big Band Cologne and many more.
PJO SUMMER JAZZ INTENSIVE
PJO SUMMER JAZZ INTENSIVE
Education Program
In order to foster the next generation of musicians and artists, starting in June 2026 the PJO will establish a week-long summer seminar/workshop for young musicians. Participants will receive group lessons from orchestra members on their respective instruments and then rehearse together as an ensemble and at the end of the week perform a concert as the “Pacific Youth Jazz Orchestra”.
Under the guidance of the artistic director, the PJO will give guest conductors and arrangers the opportunity to lead concert projects in an effort to advance diversity in the field of music directors.
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
— William Shakespeare
Photo by Takuo Sato
Photo by Beate Walden
Photo by Peter Erskine
Photo by Ryan Clemens
Photo by Beate Walden
Photo by Beate Walden
Photo by Luis Luque
Photo by Luis Luque
Photo by Peter Erskine
Photo by Luis Luque
SEE MORE
Sponsors
Donors
Jim & Penny Coulter
Susan McCaw
Howard Stern
Katharine McPhee
Carole Gaba
Charles Ortner
Gary Oakland
Shelly Berg
Bob & Randi Fisher
Don & Betsy Dixon
Matt Serletic
Michael Lazarus
Dale & Don Franzen
Jonathan Fryd
Robert Reeder & Marcie Maxwell
Anne Akiko Meyers & Jason Subotky
Dr. Ron Karlsberg
The PJO is actively looking for private donors as well as corporate sponsors to help fulfill the vision of a resident jazz orchestra in LA with a program of performances that will entertain, enrich, and educate a diverse audience reaching far beyond LA.