Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble (Lithuania) – founded in 2022 by composer Jievaras Jasinskis, this professional jazz orchestra brings together talented Lithuanian musicians and composers seeking to explore new possibilities in Lithuanian jazz. The ensemble performs in various configurations – Big Band, eleven-, six-, and three-piece groups – each offering original programs with a unique sound.
“Jazz can be very diverse,” says Jievaras Jasinskis. “I often hear that jazz isn’t for everyone, and I find it fascinating to turn this idea on its head. I see no reason why jazz couldn’t incorporate elements of contemporary music, rave, techno, rock, or folk. Our goal is to gather like-minded jazz creators and musicians, providing them a space to discover themselves and express their creativity through jazz.”
Key achievements:
International stage: performances at Aarhus Jazz Festival, Tallinn Music Week, Luznava Jazz; a concert tour in Denmark; collaboration with composer Kenneth Dahl Knudsen; original programs such as ARDM Dedication Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble, performed and recorded.
Lithuanian scene: original program with St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra; nine JJAZZ composers’ album Odd Numbers; music for the film Vilniaus pokeris; performances at major Lithuanian jazz festivals including Nida Jazz, Šiauliai Jazz, Vilnius MAMA Jazz, Marijampolė Jazz, Mažeikiai Cultural Festival, Broma Jazz, and Šiauliai Big Band Festival.
In 2025, Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble won the residency competition organized by LRT KLASIKA. To celebrate, the jazz orchestra held three special concerts.