Richard Gillis

RICHARD GILLIS (WJO Artistic Director) studied at the Banff Centre (Canadian Brass), the University of Michigan (M.Mus.; D.M.A.), and with renowned trumpet teachers Armando Ghitalla and James Stamp. He performs with several ensembles and tours and records (8 CDs) with Icelandic guitarist Bjorn Thoroddsen. In 2014 Richard and Bjorn performed at the Icelandic Jazz Festival, received a nomination for Best Jazz Album at the Icelandic Music Awards ("Morgana's Revenge") and released a new CD ("The Journey"). Richard is Artistic Director of the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and teaches at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Music.