About JAM Orchestra

The JAM Orchestra was founded in 2018 by Justin Kono, Aaron Kaplan, and Michael Goldman. Guided by their diverse musical tastes and passion for introducing audiences to music not usually heard in concert halls, the JAM Orchestra aims to put a new spin on the “pops orchestra” model by not only performing works with original orchestrations, but also by connecting these works to other genres of music as well as exploring lesser-known works and composers. Program themes are curated and repertoire is carefully selected so that each concert provides a balance of familiar and unfamiliar music, an array of different musical styles, and collaboration with different local Chicago artists. The musicians of the JAM Orchestra are selected for their versatility of musical styles, technical abilities, and complete musicianship. They are some of the finest musicians in the Chicago area and can be heard in orchestras, chamber ensembles, big bands, pit orchestras, and jazz clubs all over the city. Whether performing a Copland ballet, Nelson Riddle chart, Robert Russell Bennett orchestration, or Bernard Herrmann score, the JAM Orchestra seeks to create connections across the musical spectrum and introduce audiences to the brilliance of these composers, arrangers, and orchestrators. 

For an in-depth look at our previous concerts, check out our Concert Archive.