Thu, 8. 10. 2026, 19:00 hrs.

C1 Swingphonic

Venue: Zlín Congress Centre  |  Organizer: Filharmonie Bohuslava Martinů, o.p.s.  | 

Swing was a style that fundamentally changed the face of popular music in the first half of the 20th century, ushering in a new type of rhythmic energy and freedom of expression. Rooted at the turn of the 20s and 30s in the soundscape of American Big Band jazz orchestras, it quickly became a symbol of the vibrant urban culture of its time, its compelling vitality, lightness and - yes, an elegance all its own - still appealing to audiences across the generations even today.

The Swingphonic project takes this tradition to the next level in the broader sound setting of the symphony orchestra, with the arrangements based on the original jazz idiom but mobilising all the colour and breadth of the orchestral set-up to produce more delicate shading of moods and even greater expressivity. This creates a lively dialogue between the world of swing with its rhythmic pulses and distinctive phrasing on the one hand, and the symphonic sound, which lends a new dimension and unexpected depth to familiar melodies on the other.

Heading up tonight's presentation is the singer Jan Smigmator, one of the most prominent faces on the contemporary Czech swing scene. His interpretations take forward the tradition of conventional swing, yet shake off the straitjacket of mere stylistic imitation. He is joined by the Bohuslav Martinů Philharmonic's jazz quintet and string section in numbers associated with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and others, whose work is among the most enduring treasures of the 20th century's swing and jazz tradition.