The STRANGER FRIENDS Orchestra is a 15-piece modern big band led by composer Dean Thiessen. The phrase ‘Stranger Friends’ evokes an awareness of the community that can be established through music and music making. The ensemble is comprised of some of the most creative and inspiring young voices in the West Coast music scene. The ensemble is grateful to rehearse, compose, and perform on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Thiessen’s original music for this band is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, inclusion, creativity, and diversity and explores a mixture of hyper-detailed compositions and spontaneous improvisation. With little resemblance of the ‘swing era’ big band sound, the STRANGER FRIENDS Orchestra explores a mixture of modern musical and cultural influences inspired by traditions of the great African American musicians who created 'jazz' as an art form and the youthfulness and innovation of the musicians in the ensemble.