EDUCATION PROGRAMS
In order to foster the next generation of musicians and artists, the PJO and Heart of Los Angeles held a three-day inaugural summer seminar/workshop for young musicians in June 2026. Participants received group lessons from orchestra members on their respective instruments, rehearsed together as an ensemble and, performed a concert as the "Pacific Youth Jazz Orchestra".
LEARN MORE
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.
The mission of the Pacific Jazz Orchestra® is to entertain and enrich the lives of the people of Los Angeles and the greater Southern California community, as well as a global community through performance and educational programs.
SPONSORS
DONORS
With deep gratitude for their generous support.
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
Anonymous
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.
LEARN MORE