First up in the 2016/17 Cavalcade subscription series on 23 & 24 July is "The Golden Age of Swing" performed by the RNZAF Jazz Orchestra.
The big guns of big band are performing in Marlborough! The best of the 30s and 40s greats - think Glen Miller and Benny Goodman - through to the kings of modern swing; Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé.
The RNZAF Jazz Orchestra boasts some of New Zealand’s finest jazz musicians, selected from within the ranks of the 65-strong RNZAF symphonic band.
Based in Wellington, the orchestra will fill the ASB Theatre with stunning music and entertainment from the golden age of swing.
It was formed in 1935 and made its public debut on 12 May 1937, leading a procession through Wellington marking the coronation of King George VI. It functioned as a full-time unit during WW2 but was disbanded after the war.
In 1951 the band was reformed as a territorial unit. Among its ranks are working professionals, freelance musicians and students studying at the New Zealand School of Music.
With its considerable membership and instrumentation, the RNZAF Band is the largest and only full symphonic band in the country.
The RNZAF Jazz Orchestra is made up of personnel from within the larger symphonic band, and boasts some of New Zealand’s finest jazz musicians.
See more about the RNZAF Jazz Orchestra’s "The Golden Age of Swing"...