North Sea Jazz Composition Assignment 2024

Tyn Wybenga (composer/conductor) | Lizz Wright (vocals) | Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet) | Metropole Orkest

Wybenga, in collaboration with the Metropole Orkest, presented four new compositions at the North Sea Jazz Festival: For LYV and To Shabnam Remix for Ambrose Akinmusire, Kun Li Maladhan for singer Lizz Wright, and When The Hurdles Fall for the Metropole Orkest. In addition, the ensemble performed original music by both guest artists, arranged for a large orchestra, as well as pieces Wybenga wrote for the Metropole Orkest last year. The inspiration Tyn drew from both guest artists is blended with his own ideas and those of the members of the Brainteaser Orchestra. This marked his debut as a conductor/composer with the Metropole Orkest. According to Wybenga, “a great honor.”

“The cherry on the cake got even more shine thanks to the composition commission awarded to Tyn Wybenga. Wybenga, who suddenly burst onto the Dutch jazz scene like a comet with his own orchestra of young Dutch talent and with prestigious commissions coming his way. Still, his composition for the Metropole Orkest was an unexpected surprise. From this orchestra, known for its high charm factor, Wybenga crafted a wild predator. Never before had this orchestra sounded so intense and aggressive at NSJ. The strings could still wrap themselves like a sultry blanket around guest vocalist Lizz Wright, but now they also engaged in battle with brass and wind instruments. With accents from soprano sax and guitar, the strings showed their raw side. The rousing, contrast-rich orchestra propelled Wright and guest trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire to the best they had to offer.”
— Jazznu.nl – Tom Beetz