The Stanford Jazz Orchestra is among the leading collegiate jazz ensembles in the United States and is dedicated to the preservation and performance of the art form of large ensemble jazz.

Founded in 1990 under then director Fredrick Berry, the group embarked on numerous European tours that culminated in performances at the Umbria and Montreux Jazz Festivals, as well as Jazz à Vienne. This marks the sixth SJO tour of European jazz festivals, performing with past touring artists such as Jon Faddis, Louis Bellson, and James Moody. The group has also performed with noted artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, Marvin Stamm, Jeff Clayton, Cedar Walton, and Billy Harper.

Under the direction of Michael Galisatus, the Stanford Jazz Orchestra has most recently performed with such artists as Eric Marienthal, Wycliffe Gordon, Jon Faddis, Bob Mintzer, Wayne Bergeron, Ingrid Jensen, Carl Allen, Alan Pasqua, Kenny Washington, Alan Ferber, Jamie Davis, Gregory Yasinitsky, and Clairdee.

We are excited to have the great Wayne Bergeron returning with us for this exciting tour. Members of the ensemble are drawn from both the graduate and undergraduate populations at Stanford University and represent a broad diversity of academic disciplines. Alumni of the ensemble have become leaders in the fields of technology, medicine, the sciences, mathematics, and the arts both in the United States and abroad.

Come join the Stanford Jazz Orchestra and experience the music of Pat Metheny, Darcy James Argue, Gordon Goodwin, Wayne Bergeron, Maria Schneider, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and many others.

Michael Galisatus is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at the College of San Mateo, directing both the college big bands and the wind ensemble. Prior to his appointment at the College of San Mateo, Mr. Galisatus produced award winning ensembles at various San Francisco Peninsula schools including Aragon, El Camino, and South San Francisco High Schools, and directed jazz ensembles at San Francisco State University and The College of Notre Dame. Mr. Galisatus is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the western United States, including organizations such as the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, California Alliance for Jazz, and a host of others. In addition, Mr. Galisatus has presented workshops abroad, including Japan, China, Norway, Mexico, and Canada. He has been the recipient of various teaching honors including the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) Jazz Educator of the year, The CMEA Bay Section Outstanding Jazz Educator Award, The Peninsula Arts Council Arts Educator of the Year, the Otter Distributors 2004 Jazz Educator Award for the state of California, the California PTA Honorary Service Award, and the CMEA Bay Section Gil Freitas Memorial Award for music education.

As a freelance trumpeter in the San Francisco Bay Area, Michael has studied under William Adam (Indiana University), John Coppola (Stan Kenton, Woody Herman), Joe Alessi (SFSU), and Chris Bogios (SF Symphony). Mr. Galisatus has recorded with Pete Escovedo, and Queen Ida, and has performed with a variety of artists including Tito Puente, Sheila E., Louis Bellson, Kenny Washington, Paula West, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Michael Feinstein, Mel Tormé, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, and many others.