Its first public appearance last April was described as a "soft opening", but the time has come for the Ghana Jazz Orchestra to make a full entrance. This will happen on September 5, 2026, at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra.

Directed by Bernard Ayisa and conducted by Victor Dey Jr., the orchestra comprises five saxophonists, four trumpeters, four trombonists, a clarinettist and a vocalist. It also includes a pianist, bassist, drummer and percussionist.

"Everyone is really working hard towards the inaugural concert," says the orchestra's director.

"We don't have an outfit like that in this country at the moment. So it's great education for the young players, some of whom have never been in a situation where there are four trumpets, for instance, and they have to play and blend as a unit."

The Ghana Jazz Orchestra was formed following the visit of renowned American trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO) to Ghana in October 2025.

The Ghana Jazz Foundation, working closely with the Accra Jazz Academy, felt there were players with enough flair to establish something like the JLCO in Ghana. Auditions were held, and the result will be unveiled on September 5.

Also scheduled to perform on the night is Lisa Simone, an American singer, composer, actress and Grammy-nominated recording artiste. She is the daughter of renowned musician and civil rights activist Nina Simone.

The GHJazz Collective will also perform at the concert, which starts at 8:00 p.m.

“We are all looking forward to a night of admirable connection between the musicians and a happy audience. Reception was good at the ‘soft opening’ in April and we trust we would present another impressive show on September 5,” the orchestra’s director remarked.