CNY Jazz Orchestra

History and Programs

History Mission Executive Director CNY Jazz Orchestra Music Director

The Central New York Jazz Orchestra (CNYJO) is an award-winning, all-star, regional “big band” that comprises the region’s finest jazz musicians. Led by internationally acclaimed Music Director Bret Zvacek, CNYJO performs concerts in the OnCenter Carrier Theater featuring the world’s finest guest soloists.

Formed in 1996, CNYJO has made it possible for Syracuse to claim a national caliber regional not-for-profit jazz orchestra, one of a few cities capable of this accomplishment. The CNYJO is the flagship program of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, whose mission is to preserve, support and advance the art of jazz by presenting events in concert, cabaret, festival and educational settings.

Calendar of Events

The Central New York Jazz Orchestra
Trombone and Music Director: Bret Zvacek
Alto Saxophone: Joe Carello
Alto Saxophone: John Delia
Tenor Saxophone: John Rohde
Tenor Saxophone: John Jeanneret
Baritone Saxophone: Frank Grosso
Trumpet: Pat Carney
Trumpet: Jeff Stockham
Trumpet: Rob Robson
Trumpet: David Blask
Trombone: Bill Harris
Trombone: Joe Colombo
Trombone: Angelo Candela
Bass Trombone: Bill Palange
Piano: Rick Montalbano
Bass: Darryl Pugh
Drums: Larry Luttinger
Associate Music Director: Rick Montalbano

Rick Montalbano, Associate Music Director, is the pianist for the CNYJO and performs with the Syracuse Symphony Pops and the Symphony Rock Ensemble. An arranger, composer, performer, and session player, Rick still finds time to serve as Adjunct Professor at Colgate University, SUNY Marcy and Hamilton College. He leads a busy schedule, accompanying top jazz musicians and working as a clinician at the high school and college level.

In addition to performing with outstanding jazz musicians from Nick Brignola to JR Monterose, Sal Nistico, Chuck Mangione, Jane Monheit, Phil Woods, Grady Tate, Louie Bellson, Randy Brecker, Eric Alexander, Joe Magnarelli, Don Menza, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Ventura, Doc Cheatum and Clark Terry, he's toured with the Drifters, the Five Satins, and Jackie Wilson. He's also worked with Lou Rawls as musical director and pianist.

As Manager/Engineer of the Music Factory recording studio, he writes and produces commercials, arranges for musical acts and does soundtrack recording for TV, radio and film.

Rick is the Entertainment Director/Pianist for the Savoy, where he created the Savoy's Sunday Night "Jazz Cabaret Series" along with one of the area's most popular events, "Jazz Along the Mohawk," which features some of the country's finest jazz musicians and vocalists. Also, the Rick Montalbano Trio has served as the "house" group at Tiny's, the area's premier jazz club in Utica, backing up national and regional jazz greats. Additionally, he serves as musical services contractor for the Turning Stone Casino in Verona NY.