Charles Mingus Orchestra at Birdland Theater

The Charles Mingus Orchestra, a 10-piece ensemble founded in 1999 by Sue Mingus, makes a triumphant return to the live stage at Birdland Theater. Known for its distinctive sound and textures, the orchestra features exotic instrumentation including bassoon, bass clarinet, French horn, and guitar, alongside more traditional jazz instruments. The group focuses on composition and exploration of Mingus’ diverse works, playing with intensity reminiscent of the Mingus Big Band.

The orchestra has a storied history, having alternated performances with the Mingus Big Band during a 14-year tenure at Fez Under Time Cafe and later becoming a local culture institution with its Mingus Mondays celebration at Jazz Standard. Now, attendees can experience the unique blend of improvisation and structured composition that defines the Mingus Orchestra’s sound in the intimate setting of Birdland Theater.