WDR Big Band Köln
The WDR Big Band, whose origins date back to August 1946, is a jazz big band
affiliated with German public broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) in
Cologne. Initially led by Kurt Edelhagen, the band gained prominence through its
broadcasts and recordings until Edelhagen's departure in 1972. The orchestra was
later renamed WDR Big Band in 1980 and continued to evolve under musical
director Jerry van Rooyen from 1985 to 1994. In 2016 the band has been led by
Bob Mintzer as chief conductor and Vince Mendoza as the band's "Composer in
Residence." The WDR Big Band Köln has collabor...
