The JRO was constituted in 2002 in Trieste, in the north east corner of Italy, by percussionist Livio Laurenti, who gathered together 11 fine young local musicians to form one of the very few large ensembles world-wide that perform ragtime and early 20's tunes. The orchestra is composed of two violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, piano and percussion.

It must be noted that all musicians have a classical background, and only in one or two cases they had had any prior exposure to the ragtime and early swing styles. Thus their interpretation of the tunes of Joplin and others has an unusual and catchy old-European flavour.

The JRO has played extensively in northern Italy and audiences have always received them with great enthusiasm. Among the critics, American jazz pianist, composer and arranger Uri Caine has expressed words of appreciation and encouragement for their activity.