On Wednesday October 14 the Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra (AoJO) will premiere 10 Kiwi‑created compositions, eight brand newly written for the orchestra, with the Music of Aotearoa concert being staged at Meow NUI in Wellington.

An opening night event on the 2026 Wellington Jazz Festival calendar, this live-recording concert launches AoJO’s commitment to championing new New Zealand jazz, contributing to the growing catalogue of Aotearoa music by commissioning and recording fresh works every year.

Perfect for anyone who loves fresh NZ music, this project is supported by the Lilburn Trust, whose commitment to Aotearoa composition has helped make this commissioning programme possible.

The concert will also introduce saxophonist and vocalist Reiss Fatani as Aotearoa Jazz Orchestra’s emerging artist for the 2026-’27 season. Recently returned from a sojourn at Berklee, Fatani’s work represents the next wave of Aotearoa jazz talent.

It’s an early evening one, the AoJO Music of Aotearoa concert scheduled to start at 6pm. Tickets available here.