With a very unique formation, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra combines a classical orchestra with a jazz big band. The result is a distinctive sound, which gives it a leading role in the creation of a new Brazilian orchestral aesthetics through contemporary and unique arrangements. One of the orchestra’s masters and founding members was Cyro Pereira (1929-2011). He was responsible for transforming popular melodies by Brazilian composers into symphonic arrangements, having created a basic repertoire and helped make it one of the few orchestras with such a formation in the world. In addition, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra has had the musicality and arrangements of conductor Nelson Ayres, responsible for training a team of excellent orchestrators, who works daily for developing an orchestral repertoire – the team produces an average of 100 scores per year. The orchestra has a collection of over 1,400 pieces.