Tag Archives: Chris Walden

Chris Walden: Bridging Jazz and Symphonic

AFM Local 47 Member Spotlight 

AFM Local 47 member Chris Walden is a 7-time Grammy nominated composer, arranger, conductor, and musician. He is the founder and conductor of the Pacific Jazz Orchestra and leader of the Chris Walden Big Band. He has been the lead arranger for the Academy Awards since 2019 and has written big band and orchestral arrangements for Michael Bublé, Diana Krall, Paul Anka, Jennifer Hudson, and Christopher Cross. Local 47 sat down with Chris to talk about his career in music. 

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Pacific Jazz Orchestra Launches Spectacular Debut Season

LA Welcomes First Resident Jazz Orchestra in Nearly Two Decades

by Linda A. Rapka

Aiming to entertain and enrich the local community of Los Angeles as well as the global community through performance and education, the newly formed Pacific Jazz Orchestra is the ambitious innovation of Chris Walden, a seven-time GRAMMY-nominated arranger/conductor who serves as the orchestra’s artistic director and conductor.

“I’ve been arranging and conducting for recording artists and for TV and film for 30 years, but I’m now at a point in my career and my life where I wanted to fulfill my own musical vision,” Walden said. “Having worked a lot with symphony orchestras as well as with big bands, I wanted to create a hybrid ensemble that embodies both. And with this 40-piece ensemble we’re able to play jazz as well as symphonic material.” Continue reading →

#WhyUnion? Beate & Chris Walden

“It seems to me that especially during a time of great instability, people need community and support. These valid forms of human need are met through the union’s support systems which keep musician’s pay and health benefits steady. Nothing could be more crucial for an artist.”

– Beate Walden, Violinist
Member since 2021

“The most important aspect of our union to me is solidarity. We watch out for each other, and stand up together for our rights and adequate pay.”

– Chris Walden, Arranger
Member since 1996

‘Mission: Impossible’ Composer Lalo Schifrin to Celebrate 85th Birthday Concert

Legendary composer, musician, conductor and six-time Oscar nominee Lalo Schifrin (“Mission: Impossible”) will celebrate his 85th birthday with a special concert in his honor Oct. 7 at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. Continue reading →