Vince Mendoza's residency comes to an end

The American Vince Mendoza is a respected conductor and a highly sought-after arranger with six Grammy wins and a total of twenty-five nominations. He has been described as a “musician’s musician” and a natural successor to jazz legend Gil Evans.

He is known for collaborations with greats such as Björk, Joni Mitchell, the WDR Big Band and the Metropole Orkest.

From 2021 to 2024 he has had a residency at Vara Konserthus and Bohuslän Big Band. His assignment has been to serve, in selected productions, as artistic director, guest conductor, and arranger for the concert hall’s big band, Bohuslän Big Band.

“Getting to collaborate with Vince Mendoza is an opportunity not granted to every orchestra,” says Eric Brandström-Arellano, orchestra director of the Bohuslän Big Band, and continues:

– His ability to unite the nuances and colors of the music, and to bring out textures and moods, makes him one of the most inspiring composers, arrangers, and conductors of our time. The fact that Vince has chosen to collaborate with us is also a testament to the reputation we have built internationally.

Nordic jazz, film music and Brazilian sounds

Mendoza’s and the Bohuslän Big Band’s first major production together, Nordic Jazz (2022), highlighted the Nordic jazz tradition by combining Mendoza’s unique arrangements with the Bohuslän Big Band’s deep roots in Swedish jazz culture. In addition to the big band, well-known Nordic soloists took part, such as trombonist Nils Landgren and vocalist Silje Nergaard. The concert was a great success both at home and internationally, with a successful tour and a performance at the Jazz Baltica festival in Germany in the summer of 2023.

“Jazz Baltica has been a highlight for the Bohuslän Big Band,” says Eric. “We reached a wide audience, including through German TV and radio. It gave us the opportunity to spread our music and strengthen our brand on the international jazz scene.”

The following year they followed up with the production Storytellers, where, together with the Brazilian singer Luciana Souza, they paid tribute to Brazil’s musical heritage. Mendoza put his own stamp on songs by some of Brazil’s most beloved songwriters, and the show became a fusion of Brazilian rhythms and big band jazz that really resonated with the audience.

During the spring of 2024, Jazz on Film, a unique concert in which Mendoza brought together the Bohuslän Big Band with the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and saxophonist Joe Lovano, was presented. With arrangements that transported the audience back to the Hollywood and film music of the 1950s and 60s, Mendoza put his own stamp on classic works by, among others, Miles Davis and John Williams.

In their last production together, New World / Old World. The concert became a unique musical event where Vince Mendoza brought together the University of Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra and the Bohuslän Big Band in a mix of original works and innovative music from young composers. The project was carried out in collaboration with the Academy of Music and Drama and became an inspiring manifestation of the music of the future.

A farewell – but not an ending

Vince Mendoza’s time as Conductor in Residence at Vara Concert Hall and Bohuslän Big Band is now coming to an end, but the relationship between him and Bohuslän Big Band will continue.

“Our journey over the past few years with Vince Mendoza has enriched the Bohuslän Big Band and given the audience unique musical experiences. We will stay in touch with Vince, and I hope that we will have the opportunity to collaborate again in the near future,” Eric concludes.