Kurt Elling and the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra: Reflections on a Defining Night

photo credit Jim Saah

After taking the weekend to reflect, I wanted to share a few personal thoughts about last Friday’s concert at The Music Center at Strathmore.

On February 13, I had the profound honor of conducting the inaugural performance of the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra featuring Kurt Elling. This project has been four years in the making, and opportunities of this scale centered around a large jazz ensemble are rare in the United States today. Joi Brown, Artistic Director of Strathmore, is a true visionary and an extraordinary champion of the arts. As I said from the stage, we need more leaders like her in this world.

Preparing for a concert of this magnitude is deeply demanding. During the rehearsal and performance period, I narrow my focus almost entirely to the work at hand. Now that I have had space to reflect, it has become clear that what was created that evening was far greater than any one individual. It was bigger than myself, the musicians, Kurt Elling, or even Strathmore. It was something communal and meaningful.

The response in the hall made that undeniable. From the stage, you could feel the energy, a sense of connection, joy, and shared purpose. It was in the conversations afterward that the full impact became clear. Many people approached me with tears in their eyes, expressing how deeply the experience moved them, how much their souls needed it, and how powerful and healing live music can be. In the days that followed, I received similar messages from the musicians themselves.

Another extraordinary aspect of the evening was the orchestra itself. I knew I had assembled a group of exceptional artists and generous human beings. What unfolded in rehearsal and performance exceeded even my highest expectations. They played with the cohesion and trust of an ensemble that had been together for decades. I was intentional in selecting each musician, not only for their artistry but for their spirit. The fact that we genuinely enjoyed working and spending time together made the creative process even more meaningful.

From the beginning, I had a clear vision for this ensemble to be rooted in collaboration, artistic integrity, and authenticity. My hope was to create an environment where the music and the people making it could thrive. I now know we achieved that and created an experience that not only entertained but uplifted, connected, and left a lasting impact on both the performers and audience alike.

I carry immense gratitude for everyone who made this possible. To the extraordinary musicians of the Strathmore Jazz Orchestra, thank you for your trust, your artistry, and your spirit. To Kurt Elling, thank you for your generosity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. To the remarkable Strathmore team, whose belief and support made this vision a reality, I am profoundly thankful. And to the broader music community who showed up with open hearts and filled the hall with warmth and love, thank you for reminding us why we do this work.

I am excited to continue this journey with all of you and to see where it leads next.

With love and appreciation,

Daniel Jamieson

Conductor | Strathmore Jazz Orchestra