The Glenn Miller Orchestra return to Estonia

Text Ingel Kink
Photo Alexela Concert Hall

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, now led by Uli Plettendorff, will perform three concerts in Estonia this weekend in Pärnu (22.11), Tartu (23.11) and Tallinn (24.11) as part of their European tour. The orchestra’s repertoire will include compositions by the giants of jazz’s golden age from the 1930s to 50s.

After more than 40 years and 5,200 concerts, former bandleader Wil Salden has retired, passing the baton to Plettendorff, who has been a trombonist with the orchestra since its early days.

Known for its unmistakable sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of only three ensembles worldwide allowed to use the musical legend’s name, and is the only one permitted to perform in the Baltic region.

The orchestra’s iconic style, born by chance, remains its hallmark. Legend has it that during one concert, an injury to a trumpeter led to a clarinettist unexpectedly taking over his part. This moment shaped the distinctive brass-and-reed harmony that characterises the Glenn Miller sound, and makes the music so distinct it’s recognisable from the first note.

Tickets for all of the three concerts are available at Piletilevi. 

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Alexela Concert Hall Big Band Era Concerts in Tallinn Events in Tallinn Glenn Miller Orchestra Jazz Music Uli Plettendorff Wil Salden