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ABOUT

Founded in 1978, OPUS 78 has the traditional set-up of a classical big band comprising 5 saxophones (flute & clarinet), 4 trumpets (Flugelhorn), 4 trombones as well as a rhythm section of keyboard, guitar, drums and bass. The big band may be extended with singers, choir and strings depending on the concert programme requirements.

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The spectrum covered by the ensemble includes the classical big band repertoire, contemporary jazz arrangements, as well as pop and funk.

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Over the past years OPUS 78 produced or co-produced several large events; it further performed with well-known jazz, pop and rock musicians:

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  • Jon Lord and Doogie White (Deep Purple)

  • Mike Mainieri (Steps Ahead)

  • Candy Dulfer (Saxophon)

  • Peter Herbolzheimer (Bandleader)

  • Barbara Dennerlein (Hammond Orgel)

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Maynard Ferguson and the band members of the «Big Bop Nouveau Band»: Andrea Tofanelli, Ernie Hammes, Denis di Blasio, and Reggie Watkins. Michael Abene, bandleader of the WDR Big Band and the band musicians Marshall Gilkes (band leader & trombone), Andy Haderer (trumpet), Frank Chastenier (piano), and Paul Heller (saxophone).Opus 78 also had the pleasure of collaborating with funk legend Eumir Deodato together with Gerardo Velez (Percussion)

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The vocalists:

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  • Patti Austin

  • Silvia Droste

  • Fay Claassen

  • Joan Orleans

  • Kasia Laska

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as well as the Ladies of Soul: Deidra Jones, Onita Boone und Nina Simone and many others…

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Moreover, OPUS 78 produced six albums over the years, the most recent of which from and with Luxembourg jazz musicians.

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In 2022, OPUS 78 won the 1st UGDA European Big Band Contest and the 1st Luxembourg Music Award (Lëtzebuerger Musekspräisser) in the category "recreational music".

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