Visiting Artist

Performing professionally for nearly four decades, Coat Cooke is a leader in Vancouver’s internationally acclaimed creative music scene. In 1977 he co-founded the legendary NOW Orchestra where he remains Artistic Director. Recent work with NOW includes curating And NOW on Monday Nights… a weekly series of small improvising ensembles at the Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club.

As a feature artist, Coat knows how to deliver passionate performances while never compromising innovation and modernity. His intuitive ability to support and respond to any direction or idea emerging combines with a rare fusion of honoring and utilizing diverse music traditions. He is a composer who can write pieces for small or large ensemble that include an improvisation. As a creator and conductor, he brings a wide diversity of experience wherein he has integrated music in projects that include spoken word performances, silent movies, global cultural orchestras and many of the world’s leading improvisers.