Metropole Orchestra – Arakatak (V2, 2026)
Metropole Orchestra has put together Arakatak, a fantastic new album that celebrates the ensemble’s 80th anniversary. The collection brings together eight pieces by eight prominent composers. The fabulous mix of western classical music and contemporary jazz highlights the orchestra’s past, present, and future. Their recent collaboration with Snarky Puppy has had a very positive effect in terms of modern arrangements with powerful horns, spectacular cinematic strings, elegant electric guitar chops and high energy drums.
Miho Hazama, a regular guest conductor with the orchestra, leads the project. In addition, the album includes works by Vince Mendoza, Donny McCaslin, Tineke Postma, Mark Guiliana, Shai Maestro, and Louis Cole.
Meanwhile, hornist Morris Kliphuis composed and arranged the title track.