METROPOLE ORCHESTRA
Genres: Pop, Art Song, Folk, Progressive Big Band, Third Stream, Exotica, Post-Fusion Contemporary, Jazz Related Soundtracks • Netherlands

The Metropole Orchestra (or Metropole Orkest) is a jazz and pop orchestra based in the Netherlands, and is the largest full time ensemble of its kind in the world. A hybrid orchestra, it is a combination of jazz big band and symphony orchestra. Comprising 52 musicians, it is versatile across many musical forms, and is equipped with a "double rhythm section“ - one for pop and rock, and one for jazz based music. It was founded in 1945 by Dolf van der Linden at the urging of officials from Netherlands Public Broadcasting, which manages and subsidizes the orchestra. Since then, the Metropole has become a symbol of Dutch culture around the world. The name of the group was suggested by one of the musicians. Dolf van der Linden led the ensemble for 35 years until he stepped down in 1980.  He was replaced by Rogier van Otterloo, who led the read more...