BMI’s Jazz Composer Workshop to Celebrate 26th Anniversary

Broadcast Music, Inc.’s Jazz Composers Workshop, led by internationally renowned composer Jim McNeely and pianist/composer/arranger Mike Holober, will highlight the best new jazz compositions created during the last year at its 26th Annual Showcase Concert. Free and open to the public, the celebration will take place on Friday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. at Christ and St. Stephen’s Church, 120 West 69 Street, New York, NY, 10023.

The Workshop is a noted creative forum for musical exploration and development. The showcase annually features a competition to choose the winner of the BMI Foundation’s Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize, which is given to the writer of the best new work composed in the Workshop. The winning composer will receive the $3,000 Manny Albam Commission, named in memory of the Workshop’s co-founder and longtime musical director, to compose a new piece for the succeeding year’s concert.

This year’s judges include Secret Society bandleader and composer Darcy J. Argue; trombonist and GRAMMY-nominated arranger John Fedchock; and trumpet and flugelhorn virtuoso Ingrid Jensen. Erica Seguine, last year’s winner, will premiere her commissioned work at this year’s concert, which will feature the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece modern repertory ensemble composed of leading New York musicians.

The Workshop offers a unique, collaborative environment for professional jazz musicians to compose for large jazz (big band) ensembles and underscores BMI’s commitment to supporting burgeoning composers. Seating is first-come, first served; doors open at 7:00 p.m. Join in on this acclaimed celebration!