Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra - The Nutcracker Suite

Witness a defining moment in this country’s jazz scene as the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra (AoJO) makes its highly anticipated debut at Meow Nui.

Born from a collective vision championed and inspired by jazz legend Rodger Fox, AoJO represents the shared aspirations of the jazz community – honouring our jazz lineage while serving as a platform for its future. This newly formed, and proudly national ensemble brings our country’s jazz talent and legacy into focus.

Led by Musical Director John Rae and Concert Master Oscar Lavën, with Mike Taylor (lead trumpet) and Kaito Walley (lead trombone), this concert features Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s vibrant reimagining of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite. A groundbreaking fusion of classical and jazz, it’s hailed as one of Ellington’s most inventive works. Together Strayhorn and Ellington showcase the familiar themes of Tchaikovsky’s ballet through the expressive power of jazz in orchestral form.

Prepare to be captivated by lush orchestration and melodic innovation as the AoJO takes to the stage for the very first time.