Central New York Jazz Orchestra

Now in its 11th season of concert presentations, the prize-winning Central New York Jazz Orchestra is an all-star regional "big band" comprised of the region's finest jazz musicians.

Led by internationally acclaimed Music Director Bret Zvacek, it performs a season of concerts in the Crouse-Hinds Civic Center featuring the world's finest guest soloists, a full schedule of regional concerts, and day residencies in schools across upstate New York.

Its formation in 1996 has made it possible for Syracuse to lay claim to having a regional not-for-profit jazz orchestra. Few cities this size can boast of this accomplishment.

The CNYJO is the flagship program of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, whose mission is to positively affect the quality of life in the region by preserving, supporting and advancing the art form of jazz by presenting events in concert, cabaret, festival and educational settings.   The CNYJAF is the largest jazz presenter in upstate New York, drawing a total audience of 80,000 to its over 150 events, including totally free "Jazz in the Square" international jazz festival and year-round presentations of all kinds in Jazz Central, its jazz arts and education center in downtown Syracuse.

Bret Zvacek

Bret Zvacek has shared the stage with numerous jazz artists including Slide Hampton, The Woody Herman Orchestra and many others.   A graduate of the University of North Texas he founded the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra there.   He is Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at the Crane School of Music, Potsdam, NY and has also served as an adjunct faculty member of the Jazz Studies department at McGill University, Montreal.   In demand as clinician, he serves on the staff of numerous summer jazz camps, and has given workshops at several state conferences.

Bret's music has been performed and recorded by professional groups including the Count Basie Orchestra and the Air Force Band of Flight Night Flight Jazz Ensemble in addition to leading numerous college and university groups.