The Count Basie Orchestra live in Bedford

Experience The Count Basie Orchestra live on October 16th

The Count Basie Orchestra will perform at The Quarry Theatre in Bedford, United Kingdom on October 16, 2026. The orchestra carries the legacy of William “Count” Basie, a renowned pianist and bandleader. Their musical style is deeply rooted in the swing tradition of big band jazz, characterized by a driving rhythm section, call-and-response phrasing between sections, and arrangements emphasizing improvisation and dynamic ensemble playing. While evolving over the decades, the orchestra consistently maintains a sound recognizable for its energy and sophistication.

The Count Basie Orchestra was founded in 1935 and has maintained a continuous performance history since, becoming one of the most celebrated and enduring big bands in jazz history. Following Basie’s death in 1984, the orchestra continued under the direction of various leaders, preserving his musical vision.

The Quarry Theatre is located within Bedford School, an independent school for boys established in 1552. The theatre itself opened in 2013 as part of a larger redevelopment project intended to enhance performing arts facilities available to both the school and the wider community.