Ever since my poppa took me to see Henry Mancini lead the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in a pops program, I have always dreamed of conducting an orchestra. Last night in Groningen, with the Metropole Orkest and Cécile McLorin Salvant, it finally happened.
News
DJA with Warren Wolf & Frankfurt Radio Big Band; DJA with Cécile McLorin Salvant & Metropole Orkest
With the new year comes new beginnings. As I write this, I’m deep in the throes of preparations for two milestones: my debut as the new Composer in Residence for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, and my debut conducting the Metropole Orkest.
Darcy James Argue’s Nonesuch Selects
One of my favorite genre of video is the one where an artist pulls physical media from a library and talks about the art that inspires them — you know, like the Criterion Collection Closet Picks. So I was absolutely thrilled to participate in the Nonesuch Records version of this, Nonesuch Selects.
Music Preparation Resources
I have released the latest edition of my handout on Music Preparation Fundamentals for Jazz Composers & Arrangers.
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year in DownBeat Poll
I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I have won Arranger of the Year in DownBeat Magazine’s 72nd Annual Critics Poll!
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year in DownBeat PollRead More
Darcy James Argue appointed Composer-in-Residence of the Frankfurt Radio Big Band
I have some big news I’m thrilled to share: I have been appointed the new Composer in Residence for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band.
Darcy James Argue appointed Composer-in-Residence of the Frankfurt Radio Big BandRead More
DMT Inspirations: Alan Turing
Alan Turing was born this day, June 23, in 1912. The composition I wrote in tribute to him, “Codebreaker,” opens Disc 2 of Dynamic Maximum Tension.
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year at the 2024 JJA Jazz Awards
I’m thrilled to announce that I have been awarded the 2024 Jazz Journalists Association Award for Arranger of the Year!
Darcy James Argue wins Arranger of the Year at the 2024 JJA Jazz AwardsRead More
DMT Inspirations: Duke Ellington
April 29th marks Duke Ellington’s 125th birthday.
I am certain of few things in this life, but I am certain of this: Duke Ellington is the greatest American composer, and it’s not particularly close.
World premiere: orchestral arrangements featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant
The world premiere of my orchestral arrangements of Cecile McLorin Salvant’s desert island ballads, beautifully rendered by Cecile, Sullivan Fortner, David Wong, Kush Abadey, and Orchestre national d’Île-de-France under the wonderful direction of maestro Bastien Stil, takes place on Saturday, April 20 at the Paris Philharmonie’s Cité de la Musique.
World premiere: orchestral arrangements featuring Cécile McLorin SalvantRead More