The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw is proof of the fact that the Netherlands has a lot of talented, excellently trained jazz musicians. The orchestra was founded twelve years ago as the New Concert Big Band by pianist-arranger Henk Meutgeert, bassist Frans van Geest and drummer Hans Dekker. In 1999 they formed a collaboration with the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. This led to frequent concerts in the main hall of this venue hence the current name. The orchestra is very productive. Not only does the orchestra accompany many famous artists, they have also released several CDs , including Live at the Bimhuis. The swinging orchestra will now accompany the unparalleled voices of two very special vocalists. Europe's "First Lady of Jazz" Rita Reys - who has been professionally active as a jazz singer since 1940 but has no thought of quitting yet - will perform with her usual class. The only female Dutch vocalist who comes near Reys in terms of timing, is Fay Claassen. She is a remarkable talent of a younger generation who has a great feeling for improvisation.