22 September 2020 - 0 Comments

Jazz-lovers will get the chance to hear fresh new music by Aotearoa jazz composers at the Wellington Jazz Festival.

From boundary-breaking symphonies created before the audience's eyes, to performances that transport listeners through space and time, the Jazz Premiere Series presents world premieres from four of Aotearoa’s top musicians.

As part of the full Wellington Jazz Festival programme (18 - 22 November), Blair Latham, Kevin Field, Anita Schwabe and Riki Gooch will perform brand new compositions for the Jazz Premiere Series at St Peter’s on Willis that showcase the extraordinary talent of Aotearoa.

Kicking off the series is Blair Latham and The Noveltones who will present Karla and the Divide, a two-part suite of original music that will envelop the audience in the highs and lows of the modern-day. Portrayed through sound and visuals created live on the night, this experience will unsettle yet exhilarate. (Wednesday 18 November, 8pm).

In collaboration with New Zealand bassist and composer Matt Penman, and featuring an ensemble of outstanding musicians, Kevin Field presents a suite of three compositions inspired by the mana and resilience society has built through these turbulent times. Giving thanks to Aotearoa paying homage to New York, the jazz capital of the world, this composition celebrates people coming together in the face of adversity. (Thursday 19 November, 8pm).

Alongside an 11-piece ensemble, Riki Gooch presents his new symphony Nga Tuone. Using an improvised music concept where conducting signs and gestures symbolise musical notations, the audience will be the first to witness this unique approach. Incorporating themes of te ao Maori - the interconnectedness of all things living and nonliving, the structure of this symphony focuses on the Maori song form of Moteatea (chants). (Friday 20 November, 8pm).

Featuring new music inspired by the city she lives in; award-winning Wellington composer Anita Schwabe is joined by some of the most talented and versatile musicians in the country for a one night only world premiere. A performance for all the senses, this suite of music will also be accompanied by a visual slideshow of artistic photography, immersing the audience in the colours and textures that have inspired this commission. (Saturday 21 November, 6pm).

The four commission recipients were selected from more than 70 submissions. The commissions, offered by Wellington Jazz Festival in response to Covid-19, place Aotearoa music at the heart of this year’s Festival, says Creative Director Marnie Karmelita “It is an honour to share the work of these four commission recipients with Wellington Jazz Festival audiences. These performances present some of the most innovative and boundary pushing jazz being created in Aotearoa at this time, and we’re proud to celebrate the tremendous talent of these musicians.”

Tickets for the Jazz Premiere Series are on sale from today, 22 September from iTicket.

Wellington Jazz Festival
18 - 22 November 2020
Tickets and more information jazzfestival.nz

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