The famous Dutch jazz Orchestra the “Metropole Orkest” was awarded a Grammy award in the category ‘Best Instrumental Arrangement’ for the track “Carlos” from the CD 54. The orchestra was conducted by Vince Mendoza and featured guitarist John Scofield as soloist. The Metropole Orkest was also nominated in two other categories Best Large Jazz Orchestra (once again for the CD 54) and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist (for the track “Based On A Thousand True Stories” released on a CD from the Norwegian singer Silje Nergaard).
Once again the success of the Metropole Orkest shows the shortsightedness of the current Dutch Governments cultural policies. The current government was planning to withdraw funding for the organization “MCO” that incorporates the Metropole Orkest, The Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, The Radio Chamber Orchestra and the Radio Choir. Recently the Dutch minister for the arts, science and education Marja van Bijsterveldt stated that the government will reconsider its plans to scrap the MCO . The minister stated a number of reasons for this about face including the continuing demand for live music from the Dutch radio ensembles and the large number of protests (both national en international) that have been received.
We at the Dutch Jazz Times congratulate all at the Metropole Orkest, Conductor Vince Mendoza and guitarist John Scofield on their Grammy success.