Conductor/saxophonist Jennifer Bell and trumpeter/composer Bill MaharAltsys Jazz Orchestra – May 3, Segal Studio LiveEvents April 25, 2015 5244 Altsys Jazz Orchestra – 30th Anniversary Concert Altsys Jazz Orchestra, founded by conductor/saxophonist Jennifer Bell and trumpeter/composer Bill Mahar, specializes in original Canadian works and lesser performed works from the jazz orchestra tradition. Altsys serves as a vehicle for Bill Mahar who has premiered more than a dozen compositions with the orchestra. Altsys has collaborated with distinguished artists/composers Kenny Wheeler, Ray Anderson, Hugh Fraser, Don Thompson, Donny McCaslin Pat LaBarbera, Seamus Blake, Mike Murley, Tim Hagans and Maria Schneider, with whom the orchestra won the 1998 Opus Prize for Jazz Concert of the Year. The orchestra had the pleasure of performing with Donny McCaslin at the 2008 International Association of Jazz Educators in Toronto. The orchestra counts, among its ranks, some of Montreal’s busiest freelance jazz musicians, many of whom are bandleaders, educators and composers in their own right. These musicians are brought together by a mutual desire to perpetuate and nurture the jazz orchestra tradition. “This 13-member big band, co-led by Jennifer Bell and Bill Mahar, hits the creative high notes” – Montreal Gazette Segal Theatre 5170 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, H3W 1M7 For tickets and information: www.segalcentre.org 514-739-7944
