Dr. Richard Gillis: artistic director, conductor
Sean Irvine: composer, poetry and lyrics, alto sax, piccolo, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano sax
Quinn Greene: spoken word
Karly Epp: vocals
Trumpets: Shane Hicks; Matthew Walden (tpt & flugelhorn); Andrew Littleford (tpt &flugelhorn);
Jon Challoner (flugelhorn)
Saxophones: Neil Watson (sop, alto); Niall Cade (tenor); Monica Jones (tenor); Kyle Wedlake (bari)
Trombones: Joel Green;  Jeremy Duggleby; Karin Carlson; Isabelle Lavoie (bs tbn)
Larry Roy: guitar
Will Bonness: piano, Rhodes
Karl Kohut: upright & electric bass
Fabio Ragnelli: drums

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra (WJO) is Canada’s first community-based, non-profit professional jazz orchestra and a cornerstone of Winnipeg’s cultural life. Founded in 1997, the ensemble is led by celebrated artistic director and conductor Richard Gillis, whose vision has helped shape the WJO into a dynamic, artist-driven force on the national stage.

The WJO’s ninth album release is a 10-track concept album that explores the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals as they navigate their identities, trauma, and  paths towards healing. The Forgotten Stories Suite, composed by multi-instrumentalist Sean lrvine and featuring vocalist Karly Epp and spoken word narrator Quinn Greene, blends instrumental jazz, lyrical vocals, and poetry to tell stories that are too often left untold. Structured in five movements, each introduced with a poetic monologue, the suite follows five distinct personal narratives that evoke emotions, foster connection and offer space for collective healing.

“I want this album to speak for itself – to amplify the voices of a community of people who take each day in stride and have lived lives of solitude, grappling for love and freedom,” says Irvine. “Much like the experience of walking through an art gallery, I hope you will look deeply into the portraits of these folk’s stories and see how each line, shade, and brushstroke speaks to a greater good. For if music can make us feel something, it provides an avenue for connection and empathy.”

“…the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra also builds on the sturdy Jones/Evans cornerstones of modern orchestral jazz…The WJO is a potent reminder of the wealth of talent north of the border.” 

Downbeat Magazine, June 2025

 winnipegjazzorchestra.com

chronographrecords.com

Release Date: Friday, February 6th 2026