North Sea Jazz: Wayne Shorter

Two years after his passing, legendary saxophonist Wayne Shorter remains a towering figure in jazz history. Celebrated for his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis and Weather Report, Shorter also made his mark as a solo artist—hailed as a composer who conjured otherworldly sounds and melodies. Throughout his life, Shorter continued to compose, even in his final years, writing 32 fully orchestrated works for large ensembles—most of which have never been performed.

At the festival, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra joins forces with former members of Shorter’s bands, conducted by Clark Rundell, to perform original works by the maestro. Rundell shared a close bond with Shorter and also conducted his 2002 North Sea Jazz concert with the Prima La Musica Orchestra. Several pieces from The Symphonic Music of Wayne Shorter will be performed live in Europe for the very first time.