The Christchurch Big Band Festival Gala Concert

Featuring the Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra and Ngā Reo Tīoriori

The Christchurch Big Band Festival presents this very special event on the stage at The Piano for one night only. The Gala opens with the debut performance of the Christchurch Youth Jazz Orchestra - an auditioned band put together each year in conjunction with Ara Music Arts and the Christchurch Big Band Festival. Under the musical direction of Lana Law these youngsters will show us what the future of Big Band Jazz in Ōtautahi looks like.

After an intermission Ngā Reo Tīoriori will take the stage led by Lisa Davies (Kāi Tahu) and Gwyn Reynolds. The kaupapa and name of this band represents the language of te reo Māori meeting the language of jazz, and the voices of each musician through their individual instrument and playing.

It came about after collaboration with some of the best arrangers and musicians in Ōtautahi, Māori and Pākehā alike, including 5 talented kaiwaiata. Performance pieces were chosen by the Ara Music Arts Big Band kaiwaiata, translated into te reo Māori by Taurapa and Lisa and arranged into original big band arrangements by members of the Ara Music Arts alumni.. Ngā Reo Tīoriori is excited that the Christchurch Big Band Festival has picked up the concert, and are so honoured to have the opportunity to perform the gala concert at the festival this year.

The performance features 5 kaiwaiata - Sam Hitchens, Byllie-Jean, Henare Kaa, Lisa Tui and Kate Taylor and a full big band, with performance genres ranging from pop to jazz to traditional and original waiata. All songs will be sung in te reo Māori, and the concert will be MC’d bilingually.

Get your ticket now for this amazing gala concert at The Piano, tickets $30/$20 are limited and this concert is unmissable.