The Pfister / Uhlemann Jazz Orchestra (PUJO)

In the organizer's words:

Guest event: Jazz-Initiative Frankfurt am Main e.V. (JIF)

Admission from 19:00

The Pfister/Uhlemann Jazz Orchestra (PUJO), led by Kevin Pfister (piano) and Noel Uhlemann (conducting), is a new Amsterdam-based big band that brings together some of Europe's most promising musicians. The band consists of current and former members of renowned ensembles such as the NJJO (Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest) and the Jong Metropole Orkest from the Netherlands and the BuJazzO (Bundesjazzorchester) and musicians who have already played in orchestras such as the WDR Big Band, the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and the Metropole Orkest. Many of them are also winners of prestigious competitions such as the Steinway Förderpreis, the Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award and the Prinses Christina Concours.

PUJO's original repertoire offers a fresh perspective on the big band tradition, fusing lyrical melodies with rich contemporary harmonies and new forms. Inspired by modern big band composers such as Maria Schneider, Kenny Wheeler and Vince Mendoza, their pieces combine sophistication and driving energy in equal measure.
In November 2025, their debut EP "Introducing PUJO", recorded in March of the same year, was released as part of a release concert. The concert at Dr. Hoch's Conservatory is part of their first international tour through Germany.

Kevin Pfister is a German pianist, composer and arranger based in Mainz. His music combines catchy melodies with sophisticated, colorful harmonies. The debut album "Form" (2024) showcases his distinctive compositional voice, characterized by influences from jazz and classical music. A graduate of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Hochschule für Musik Würzburg, he performs throughout Europe as a soloist, ensemble musician and with his own big band and has been awarded prizes such as the Steinway Förderpreis and the Deutschlandstipendium. He is currently completing his master's degree in jazz piano and jazz composition/arrangement at the music academies in Würzburg and Mainz.

Noel Uhlemann is a German composer, arranger, conductor and trumpeter based in Rotterdam. His works combine jazz tradition with a contemporary sound characterized by expressive writing and structural innovation. In addition to performing with artists such as Donny McCaslin and Bart van Lier, he has played for ensembles such as Jong Metropole and most recently wrote for the Phoenix Foundation Big Band. He is a graduate of the Conservatorium of Amsterdam and is currently researching new approaches to musical forms in modern big band music as part of his Master's degree in Jazz Composition/Arrangement at the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam.

Noel Uhlemann - conductor, composer, bandleader

Reeds
Diana Dzhabbar - alto saxophone (lead)
Leonardo Boccardo - alto saxophone
Joep Grotendorst - tenor saxophone
Egor Tokarev - tenor saxophone
Fabian van der Knaap - baritone saxophone

Trumpets
Pilvi Kokkonen - trumpet (lead)
Jelle Janswaard - trumpet (lead)
Fabian Schneider - trumpet
Ernesto Montenegro - trumpet
Charlie Philips - trumpet

Trombones
Michel Tuinman - Trombone (lead)
Joan Codina - trombone
Odysseas Dellis - trombone
Valters Ņevzorovs - bass trombone

Rhythm section
Kevin Pfister - piano, composer, bandleader
Adolfo Marineto - guitar
Samuel Kiel - bass
Jonatan Kuhlmann - drums

Price information:

22€ reduced 6€ members 17€