Symphony of the Soul: A Reflection on the Calgary Jazz Orchestra Art of Romance and Art of Soul
Feb 2026 Calgary Jazz Orchestra Art of Romance and Art of Soul
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Passion and love are often two sides of the same coin; one fuels the other. To love a craft is to be passionate about it, and from that passion, true artistry is born. This principle was on full display at the Calgary Jazz Orchestra’s recent presentation of The Art of Romance and The Art of Soul, proudly sponsored by Porsche Centre Calgary.
The evening was a journey of two halves: a celebration of the Great American Songbook followed by a high-energy homage to Motown and Soul. But before the curtain rose, a final rehearsal revealed the secret to the orchestra’s magic.
Upon arrival, the camaraderie between Artistic and Musical Director Johnny Summers and his musicians was obvious. It wasn’t just about the notes; it was about the relationship. Johnny meticulously reviewed octaves and entry points with a level of detail that mirrored a master technician tuning a high-performance engine.
“Everybody on this team plays with each other... they’re just all great people,” Johnny noted. “They’re the people that if I’m in a jam, I can call them, and they’ll be there.” This sense of harmony over competition is what allows the music to soar. Johnny arranges every piece personally to ensure the sound remains "new and fresh," breathing modern life into timeless classics.
For musicians like saxophonist Rich Harding and trombonist Brian Walley, jazz is more than a genre—it’s a romantic tradition. “The romance part comes in expressing yourself through improvisation,” Rich explained, noting the genre's deep roots in North American history.
Brian expressed pride in the community’s growth, particularly seeing younger musicians join the ranks. “I’m really tickled that people still want to do this and people are interested in listening to it,” he said, highlighting the enduring nature of the art form.
On the night of the event, the atmosphere was electric. While the audience was diverse, they were united by a shared passion for excellence in music. Garrett Geck, Sales Associate at Porsche Centre Calgary, noted that the partnership is a natural fit for the brand.
“It aligns Porsche with culture, craftsmanship, and meaningful experiences,” Garrett said. “The evening reflected our commitment to excellence, emotion, and community beyond the showroom.” For Garrett, the performance offered a rare moment of clarity. “The music encouraged everyone to slow down and be present, creating a space where conversation and connection felt natural.”
Whether it was jazz enthusiast Magda Fatovic cheering on her instructor Shane Statz or individuals who just enjoyed the melodies, the evening was a masterclass in talent. In both sets, the Calgary Jazz Orchestra did what they do best: they celebrated their craft with a community that appreciates the beauty of a well-tuned performance.
This article was written by:
Ace Jakeman
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