Cardboard cathedral to fill with sound of big band jazz

Cardboard cathedral to fill with sound of big band jazz

The striking contemporary sound of modern big band jazz will fill Christchurch’s transitional ‘cardboard’ cathedral next month.

The architecturally stunning cathedral is the venue and the inspiration for Symposium IV, which revisits the successful Symposium concerts held in the Cathedral in the Square between 2007 and 2009, and promises to be one of the highlights of the Cavell Leitch New Zealand Jazz & Blues Festival.

Comprising faculty members, students, graduates and associates of CPIT Jazz School, Symposium IV brings many of New Zealand's finest jazz performers together as a big band to perform some of the latest compositions from leading composers.

“When you pair the atmosphere and the acoustics of the transitional cathedral with the musical talent of some of our finest jazz performers you have the recipe for an unforgettable night,’’ says festival director Jodi Wright.

“I think this will be one of those concerts that people talk about for years to come.’’
The Shigeru Ban-designed cathedral will also be the venue for concerts by Jennine Bailey and Anna Whitaker.

Jennine Bailey is a Christchurch jazz singer who has gained a formidable reputation around the country for her individual interpretations of jazz and contemporary music. Together with pianist and conductor Tom Rainey, a full rhythm section and a 10-piece string ensemble from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Jennine Bailey will perform songs from her last album In the Mood for Love during a one-off concert in the cathedral on April 26.

On April 27 Anna Whitaker and her seven piece band will present an afternoon of swing music in the cathedral.

Another of Christchurch’s striking new venues is showcased in the Jazz at Rydges concerts.

Held in the ballroom of the new Rydges Latimer Christchurch these concerts provide cabaret style seating at $35 per person or $200 for a reserved table for four, including food and beverage.

Jazz violinist George Washingmachine and his band will perform Feel the Manouche in the ballroom on April 22 followed by the Nairobi Trio, one of New Zealand’s favourite jazz bands, on April 24.

As a special treat Mike Frost and the Icemen will perform in the ballroom on April 23. Entry to that show, which will feature the authentic blues of the golden era of the 40s and 50s, is free.

The Cavell Leitch New Zealand Jazz & Blues Festival is on in Christchurch from April 22 to 27. Tickets for all the concerts are available through Dash Tickets www.dashtickets.co.nz.

For more information check out www.jazzfestivalnz.com.

- ends -

© Scoop Media