New Generation Of Jazz Musicians To Light Up Stage

March 19, 2012

Christchurch audiences will get to hear the new generation of jazz talent when students from the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT) Jazz School take to the stage during the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival.

Students from the Jazz School have been asked to perform three concerts during the festival in a move which festival director Jodi Wright says reflects her commitment to nurturing new talent.

“This festival is not just about exposing audiences to musicians who are already at the top of their game; it’s also about giving young, emerging musicians the chance to perform which is why we’ve always maintained a close relationship with the Jazz School.

“Scores of talented musicians have passed through the school over the years and we love to include its students - past and present - in the festival line-up where we can,’’ Ms Wright says.

Head of CPIT’s School of Performing Arts, Tom Rainey says the concerts will feature small ensemble groups performing in a variety of jazz styles.

“There will be some great performances by instrumentalists and vocalists who are performing at a very high level. We have some amazingly talented young people at the school and festivals like this are a fantastic opportunity for them to strut their stuff,’’ Mr Rainey says.

Since its inception in 1991 the CPIT Jazz School has produced many graduates who have gone on to carve out successful careers as jazz musicians.

“It’s a great place for people to come and focus on their music and to be among others who share their passion, who they can discuss music with, and play music with,’’ says Mr Rainey.

He says students at the school relish opportunities to perform and, gratifyingly, the response from audiences was nearly always positive.

“Most can’t believe how talented these young people are,’’ Mr Rainey says.

The Jazz School has been a sponsor of the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival for a number of years. Mr Rainey says it supports the festival because it both inspires and excites students; they not only get the opportunity to showcase their talent but they also get to see some of the best jazz musicians in the world perform.

“It’s a wonderful festival and an event we all look forward to.’’

The CPIT Jazz School Student Band will perform at the CPIT Jazz Auditorium on April 11, 13 and 14 at 7pm. Tickets will be available at the door.

For more information on the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival, including the full line-up of shows and where to buy tickets, checkout the festival website: www.jazzfestivalnz.com

ENDS

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