25/04/2026
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Whanganui Celebrates International Jazz Day 30 April
Welcome to our eighth annual celebration of International Jazz Day. Whanganui has championed this UNESCO initiaitive since 2018 by introducing our student population to the wonders of jazz music. This year’s theme is once again It’s all about our Rangatahi, our Youth. They are our future and we want to give them every opportunity to find joy in what they do and to dream of a bright future for themselves.
Jazz communities in virtually every contry of the world come together on 30 April to raise awareness of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for empathy, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz music embrace the opportunity to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies. www.jazzday
Our musical Director for the second successive year following last year’s great success is the talented James Tait-Jamieson. James has assembled an impressive group of teaching musicians to guide some 40 music students from Whanganui, Manawatu & Wairarapa through the intricacies of jazz improvisation and performance in an afternoon workshop hosted by the Whanganui Collegiate Music department. After the workshop, the students and tutors share a meal at the college and then perform together in an evening gala concert in the fabulous Prince Edward Auditorium.
This is your invitation to experience the joy that surrounds our rangatahi making music together for the first time - unique and original, with the focus on improvisation. Come and be part of this remarkable initiative.
Thursday 30 April 2026, 7pm Edward Auditorium
Whanganui Collegiate School, 132 Liverpool Street
Advance Sales from the Royal Whanganui Opera House Box Office $25, Door Sales $30
