NATO Jazz Orchestra

The NATO Jazz Orchestra (NJO) is the largest ensemble of the SHAPE International Band who perform throughout Europe representing the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Directed by United States Army First Sergeant Pedro Quinones, the NATO Jazz Orchestra is a classic big band with a contemporary flair. The group's diverse repertoire includes selections ranging from Count Basie, Glenn Miller and the "old standards" to present-day composers like Rob McConnell and Bob Mintzer.

Since their inception in 1985, the NJO has performed throughout Europe and North Africa, establishing a reputation of excellence by bringing experienced, talented and enthusiastic musicians to the stage. The band has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, Leiden Blues & Jazz Week, the Brussels Jazz Marathon, Aix Jazz Festival, at JaazKaar in Estonia, The Cork Jazz Festival, Bansko Jazz Festival. The band has also performed concert tours throughout Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.