Rolf Becker | A Life in Music

Selected Performances, Productions & Collaborations

More than four decades of music, creativity, and international collaborations.

From concert stages and recording studios to major orchestral productions and educational workshops, this photographic collection offers a glimpse into my professional journey as a composer, arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist.

Explore some of the performances, artistic collaborations, and memorable projects that have shaped my life in music.

On Stage — Conducting & Performing

A jazz band performing on stage at Blue Note Beijing, with a singer in a blue suit holding a microphone, various musicians playing instruments including drums, bass, saxophones, and a pianist. The stage has blue curtains and a large sign with the Blue Note logo and the word 'BEIJING'. Audience members are seated at tables with drinks and candles.
An indoor concert stage with a jazz band performing, featuring musicians playing various instruments such as saxophones, trombones, piano, double bass, and drums. The backdrop has a sign that reads 'Blue Note Beijing,' and there are audience members seated at tables watching the performance.

Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra | Beijing

Rolf Becker with the Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra — continuing his international career as a conductor, arranger, and musical director.

Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra | Beijing

Rolf Becker conducting the Blue Note China Jazz Orchestra at Blue Note Beijing.

A person with short dark hair and glasses is playing a flute on stage, with microphones in front of them and a large screen displaying abstract visuals in the background.

Live on Stage | Instrumental Performance

Rolf Becker performing on flute during an international concert production.

Shanghai Jazz Orchestra — A New Chapter in Chinese Jazz

Shanghai, January 2006 | A Milestone in the Revival of Big Band Jazz

During an important period in Shanghai's modern jazz development, Rolf Becker contributed his experience as a composer, arranger, and musical supervisor to the Shanghai Jazz Orchestra.

The orchestra's emergence marked a significant moment in the revival of large-ensemble jazz in mainland China.

Its establishment and upcoming premiere were documented in a contemporary newspaper article, “Revival of jazz slow but steady,” by Yu Bingxia, which identified Becker as the orchestra's musical supervisor.

These archival photographs and press coverage offer a glimpse into an important chapter in Shanghai's evolving jazz scene.

An orchestra performing on stage with a conductor in front. Musicians are playing various instruments including saxophones, drums, and keyboard, dressed in white suits. A large red curtain with a circular logo is in the background.

Historical press coverage — “Revival of jazz slow but steady,” by Yu Bingxia.

The article documents the Shanghai Jazz Orchestra and Rolf Becker's role as musical supervisor.

Jazzy Mozart — Celebrating Mozart's 250th Birthday

Shanghai | April 9, 2006

A special live television and radio concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birth.

For this production, I created original jazz arrangements of Mozart's music for an expanded ensemble combining Big Band, strings, and Salsa percussion.

The project brought together classical orchestral colors, contemporary jazz harmonies, and Latin rhythms in a distinctive large-ensemble concert experience.

Orchestra performing on stage with conductor leading, in an elegant concert hall with decorative gold accents and balcony seating

Jazzy Mozart | Shanghai, 2006

Rolf Becker conducting his original jazz arrangements of Mozart's music, bringing together Big Band, string orchestra, and Salsa percussion for a special live television and radio concert celebrating Mozart's 250th birthday.

Jazz orchestra on stage with musicians playing violins, guitars, saxophones, trombones, drums, keyboard, and conductor leading the ensemble in a concert hall.
A jazz band performing on stage with a conductor and a saxophonist in the foreground.
Crowded theater with audience seated in a grand hall, some read programs, ornate decorations and balconies.

Jazzy Mozart | Shanghai Concert Audience

A memorable evening celebrating Mozart's 250th birthday, bringing together classical music, jazz, and Latin rhythms in a special live television and radio concert.

Encounters with Musical Legends

International Encounters & Personal Inspirations

Throughout more than four decades in the international music industry, I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most influential personalities in music.

These encounters with legendary artists represent memorable moments in my professional journey and reflect the extraordinary world of music that has inspired my work as a composer, arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist.

Two men in suits standing together, smiling at the camera. The man on the left wears a dark pinstripe suit with a light blue shirt. The man on the right wears a yellow suit with a light blue shirt, black tie, and a blue pocket square. There is a coat rack with black jackets behind them and a wall with a sign about exchanging drinks tokens.

Tony Bennett | The Art of Timeless Singing

A memorable encounter with the legendary American jazz and traditional pop vocalist.

Two men smiling and posing for a photo in a restaurant or cafe, with a woman in the background.

Quincy Jones | A Musical Visionary

Meeting one of the most influential composers, arrangers, and producers in modern music history.

Group of five adults at a formal event, with two women standing behind two men seated at a banquet table, in a large hall with red curtains and dim lighting.

Charles Aznavour | A Legendary Voice

A memorable personal encounter with the internationally celebrated French singer, songwriter, and performer.

Composer, Arranger & Published Author

From Original Compositions to International Music Publications

Throughout my professional career, composing and arranging have been central to my musical work.

Alongside concert performances, orchestral productions, and recordings, I have authored and arranged numerous educational music publications, instrumental collections, and play-along materials for musicians at different stages of their development.

My published works include collections for saxophone and brass instruments, jazz improvisation materials, and arrangements of internationally recognized popular music.

These publications reflect a philosophy that continues to guide my work today: combining musical substance, practical experience, and accessible educational resources to help musicians develop their skills and enjoy making music.

A collage of eight album covers and promotional images related to Rolf Becker's saxophone music, including sheet music covers for brass and sax ballads, a portrait of a woman, and a man playing a saxophone on a street.
A collage of eight album covers and promotional images related to Rolf Becker's saxophone music, including sheet music covers for brass and sax ballads, a portrait of a woman, and a man playing a saxophone on a street.

From Published Works to MusicMyLanguage

The experience gained through decades of composing, arranging, performing, and publishing eventually led to the development of MusicMyLanguage — Learn. Practice. Perform.

Today, I continue creating original compositions, professional ensemble arrangements, instrumental play-alongs, and structured educational materials for musicians, teachers, and ensembles worldwide.

MusicMyLanguage brings together these different aspects of my career in one place, making professional musical knowledge and practical resources accessible to the next generation of musicians.

Explore MusicMyLanguage

Learn. Practice. Perform.

Continue Your Musical Journey