Oregon Jazz Ensemble

The University of Oregon’s award-winning Oregon Jazz Ensemble (OJE) has been invited to perform at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy, in July 2027—one of Europe’s most celebrated jazz festivals—and we need your help to make it possible for students. 

This extraordinary invitation gives students the opportunity to represent the UO on an international stage and share their music with audiences from around the world. OJE also hopes to tour through France and Italy, performing at additional venues and major festivals along the way.

The ensemble has a distinguished tradition of excellence, earning 17 DownBeat Magazine awards under directors Steve Owen (1988–2022) and Paul Krueger (2022–present), including Graduate College Outstanding Ensemble Performance awards in 2008, 2016, and 2025. Now, these talented Ducks have the chance to build on that tradition abroad.

This European tour will give OJE students the opportunity to:

• Perform at internationally renowned jazz festivals
• Hear exceptional musicians from around the world
• Connect with fellow musicians across cultures
• Gain meaningful cultural experiences and a greater understanding of global citizenship
• Strengthen their career preparedness through professional performance experience, collaboration, and exposure to the international music industry

But international travel comes at a significant cost, and for many students, opportunities to study or perform abroad can be financially out of reach. 

Your gift can help make this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to support OJE students on their 2027 European tour. Reaching that goal will fully fund the tour costs for two students—and every gift will help bring the ensemble closer to taking the stage in Europe.

Make a gift today and help OJE students share their talent, represent the UO, and experience the power of music to connect people across cultures!