The RNCM presents a pair of bold, dynamic jazz concerts as part of Manchester Jazz Festival this May

This summer, the RNCM and Manchester Jazz Festival present a vibrant and thrilling pair of jazz concerts with fresh, inventive compositions and rollicking small band tunes, staged as part of the city-wide Manchester Jazz Festival from Fri 17-Sun 26 May.

On Sat 18 May, award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles leads her twenty-piece orchestra through a storied programme of breathtaking arrangements, spanning commissions from her illustrious career, original pieces and reimagined orchestrations of her own small band tunes. Hailed as ‘one of the most refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK scene in recent times’ by The Guardian, Iles and her ensemble masterfully express her vivid, intricate writing with simultaneous delicacy and flair for with an irresistible addition to the festival’s opening weekend.

On Sat 25 May, the acclaimed British composer, saxophonist and clarinettist John Surman hits the RNCM stage with a new band to perform music from his exhilarating new record Words Unspoken, a propulsive electronic-infused continuation of the ‘elegant chamber jazz’ from 2018’s Invisible Threads. Part of his creative odyssey to uncover the inexpressible elements of music, Words Unspoken showcases Surman’s unflagging eye for innovation as he celebrates his 80th birthday.

For more information and events listings at the RNCM, click here.

Check out our breakdown of this year’s Manchester Jazz Festival here, and check out their events programme via the website.