Project · Jazz orchestra
The Value of Choices
Gabriele di Franco Jazz Orchestra. Eighteen musicians and four guests, between jazz and classical orchestration.
Press
"Incredibly exciting, and sonically outstanding!"
Claus Volke, Hören und Fühlen (DE)
"Narration, song and music become one."
Philippe Thirionet, JazzMania (BE)
"A complex, masterfully crafted work with a vivid narrative voice."
Wolfgang Giese, Musik an sich (DE)
"A sonic narrative, a true cinematography of sound."
Maxi Broecking, Jazz Thing (DE)
About the orchestra
- 18
- musicians
- 4
- guests
- 7
- international composition awards, reinvested in this orchestra
- 3rd prizeVienna Radio Symphony Orchestra and JamMusicLab University, 2023 (AT)
- 1st prizeScrivere in Jazz, 2022 (IT)
- Commissioned composerEuropean Composers, Subway Jazz Orchestra, 2021 (DE)
- 3rd prizeUMO Jazz Orchestra competition (FI)
While composing, one is often faced with an infinite range of possible timbres, dynamics and evolutions through which the music may unfold. Every note chosen, every decision made, has a profound impact on the final result. This is one of Gabriele di Franco's most profound values, and it led him to create The Value of Choices, his orchestral constellation.
Gabriele has devoted much of his creative work to writing for large ensembles, and has won seven international composition awards in the past few years alone. He decided to reinvest those awards in this orchestra.
The project draws on the greatest teaching of his mentor Kris Defoort. Gabriele's writing is rooted in the jazz tradition, takes inspiration from the great orchestrators of classical music, and embraces modern and pop grooves.
Watch
Live
Castro Jazz Festival, Castro
A double bill with the Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra from Maglie
Jazz Station, Brussels
Gabriele di Franco Jazz Orchestra, with Vanesa Diaz Gil, François Vaiana and Sarah Klenès
Past
The musicians
Woodwinds
Martin Gasser, Pierre Lagache, Lennert Baerts, Tobias Volckaert, Duilio Ingrosso
Trumpets
Antoine Colin, Jany Van Lul, Thomas Mayade, Pierre-Antoine Savoyat
Trombones
Frederik Heirman, Quinten De Cracker, Tim Daemen, Els Verbruggen (bass trombone, tuba)
Rhythm section
Fil Caporali (double bass), Daniel Jonkers (drums), YuTing Li (piano, effects), Machiel Heremans (guitar, effects)
Guests: Lieselot De Wilde, Vanesa Diaz Gil and François Vaiana (voice), Federico Pecoraro (electric bass). Conducting and composition: Gabriele di Franco.
Photos for press
The album
The Value of Choices
Eight original pieces. Challenge Records, 6 March 2026. Tracks, credits and where to listen.
Supported by the Flemish Government