Karel Vlach Orchestra

Czech big band. Originally formed by saxophonist [a=Karel Vlach] in 1939. Reorganized in 1945, with continuous focus on big band swing à la [a=Glenn Miller And His Orchestra]. Engagement at the “Karlín Musical Theatre” 1948–1953, often credited as the [a=Variety Theatre Orchestra], sometimes also as [a=Filmový taneční orchestr] or “Filmový jazzový orchestr” (“Film Dance/Jazz Orchestra”). Since the 1950s the orchestra has also backed pop vocalists on records and on stage, they have performed with nearly all “major” Czech singers at one time or another, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. Leader and conductor Karel Vlach died in 1986. The orchestra was still actively performing as of 2007.