Our Story
Bringing diverse perspectives into harmony is the core belief of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. Founded by musicians Orbert Davis and Mark Ingram, the organization began with a music education program aimed at expanding the reach of music to elementary school students. In 2004, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic was born at the Jazz Festival, featuring a 55-piece jazz orchestra, marking a significant milestone in Chicago's music scene. This unique education-centered performing ensemble combines the power of performance with a commitment to music education.