Department of Music

This Free Bridge Quintet Concert that was to be held on Saturday, September 25th at 8pm has been cancelled due to covid masking protocols. 

The Free Bridge Quintet is the faculty jazz quintet of the University of Virginia Department of Music. Founded in 1997, it features Jeff Decker on saxophones, Robert Jospé on the drums, Peter Spaar on bass, John D’earth on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Butch Taylor on piano. The quintet has been a staple of the UVA/Charlottesville jazz scene, and of the greater Central Virginia jazz scene, for two decades. Its members are internationally recognized jazz performers and recording artists.

Quotes about the Free Bridge Quintet:

“Over the past two decades, the Free Bridge Quintet has enhanced the arts at the University of Virginia and made a lasting impression on the Charlottesville community. Playing together as an ensemble, these talented faculty members have inspired countless students and brought joy to many others. All of us are grateful for their generosity and energy.”  – Theresa Sullivan, UVA President (2010 – 2018)

“These are five quintessential musicians who know their stuff.  Whenever I hear the Free Bridge Quintet, I feel like I’ve come home.” – Rita Dove, UVA Commonwealth Professor of English

“It seems as if The Free Bridge Quintet has been here forever, not just a mere 20 years. The group, both individually and collectively, is ingrained into the fabric of the Charlottesville music community in many ways. They have volunteered their talents to WTJU and to The Charlottesville Jazz Society and other non-profit groups over the years. And their numerous concerts in Old Cabell Hall, including collaborations with both local and nationally known musicians, have provided many highlights for jazz fans in our area. I’m looking forward to the next 20.”  –  Gary Funston, WTJU and Charlottesville Jazz Society.

“Twenty years of the Free Bridge Quintet Very clever name, very clever band. Top musicians playing originals and sophisticated arrangements. Successful on so many levels. What could be better?”   —  Dr. John Huff

“Collaborating with the Freebridge Quintet was a real highlight of my years at UVa. They are wonderfully creative musicians who infuse their performances with style and spontanaeity!” —    Kate Tamarkin – Conductor Laureate, Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia

Old Cabell Hall is located on the south end of UVA’s historic lawn, directly opposite the Rotunda. (map) Parking is available in the central grounds parking garage on Emmet Street, in the C1 parking lot off McCormick Rd, and in the parking lots at the UVA Corner.  Handicap parking is available in the small parking lot adjacent to Bryan Hall.

All programs are subject to change. For more information please call the McIntire Department of Music at 434.924.3052. For tickets please visit www.artsboxoffice.virginia.edu or by call 434.924.3376.

To see all the Jazz Events at UVA please visit https://music.virginia.edu/jazz-events