NOW Orchestra

Coat Cooke formed the NOW Orchestra in 1987 with the goal of composing for a large improvising ensemble. Over twenty years later this internationally lauded band continues exploring new territory.

Their impact has been felt from their recorded output with collaborators like George Lewis, Barry Guy and Marilyn Crispell; and their touring to jazz festivals in Chicago, Berlin and Lisbon. The NOW Orchestra continues to feature some of the most important voices in improvised music in Canada.

The NOW Orchestra is rightly renowned for its longevity and creative output of improvised music, and this ensemble that has gained local, national and international acclaim for its work. It is the only ensemble of its kind in Canada – an improvisational group with a unique West Coast music style.

With Coat's powerful stamp, the ensemble's identity is derived from it's unique brand of west coast improvisation, the extraordinary collaborators, and their explorations with dance, spoken word, electronics, and inter-cultural musics, the NOW Orchestra has a sound all its own.

Learn more about NOW Orchestra here.