Bach Musica Presents Award-Winning Jazz Pianist John Mackay

Bach Musica Presents Award-Winning Jazz Pianist John Mackay

Jazz and classical music are two distinctive genres which most people would not likely pair together, but for award-winning Canadian jazz pianist and composer John Mackay, ‘classijazz’ is a life-long passion of work that he will showcase in Auckland next month.

Bach Musica NZ proudly presents John Mackay and his jazz trio – comprised of two of New Zealand’s finest jazz musicians; Kevin Haines on bass and Ron Samsom on drums – performing an evening of Jazz meets Classical at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, on 14 August.

The fourth concert in the 2011 Bach Musica NZ Subscription Series promises to be an evening of lyrical harmony. It will feature the performance of an original three movement piece composed by Mr Mackay entitled Notes on Water and Light.

Composed especially for this concert with the jazz trio, choir and orchestra in mind, Notes on Water and Light is dedicated to Bach Musica Musical Director Rita Paczian and Bach Musica NZ.

Ms Paczian says, “Bach Musica NZ is delighted to host Mr Mackay. He is a musical virtuoso at bringing the best of two harmonic worlds together, and the Jazz meets Classical concert will be unlike anything you have ever heard.

“The experience of hearing ‘classijazz’ performed live is captivating, and we are honoured that Mr Mackay has composed and dedicated an original movement to us for this special occasion.”

John Mackay was a triple winner in the 2008 Composer’s Guild music composition contest and winner of the 2005 Composer’s Guild composition competition in the jazz/new age/popular category for his piece Blue Horse Opus. He is also the 2004 Composers Guild composition competition solo piano category winner for his piece Piano Sonata in Three Movements.

The John Mackay Jazz Trio will be joined by the Bach Musica Orchestra under conductor Rita Paczian and accordionist Stephanie Poole, who will feature in Astor Piazzolla's much loved and highly popular Oblivion.

Musicians will be playing a wide variety of composers on the evening including Bach, Brubeck, Ellington, Shostakovich, Chopin, Piazzolla and Mackay.

Concert-goers will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine from Morton Estate wines at the conclusion of the event.

The Details:
What: Bach Musica NZ presents Jazz meets Classical
Date: Sunday 14 August 2011
Time: 2pm
Location: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell, Auckland
Tickets: $40 Adults, $35 Seniors, $10 Students. Tickets available from www.iticket.co.nz or by phoning 09 361 1000.

ENDS

© Scoop Media