Jazz in Full Swing: Stoller Hall turns up the volume
Jazz has long been at the heart of Chetham’s School of Music and Stoller Hall — and the coming months promise an exciting mix of tradition, talent, and fresh sounds. With the 30th edition of Manchester Jazz Festival around the corner and the launch of our brand-new Jazz and Improvisation course at Chetham’s Summer School, here’s a roundup of everything that’s got us grooving.
Kicking off Manchester Jazz Festival in style, ‘Chet’s Bakers’ take to the HOME stage on First Street on Friday 16 May. Led by Steve Berry, head of Chetham’s Jazz Department, a handpicked group of students will light up the stage with a dynamic set, showcasing their instrumental prowess and ensemble synergy.
Stoller Hall plays host to two standout performances as part of the festival. A cornerstone of the Manchester jazz scene and a Chetham’s tutor, Richard Iles leads the fifteen-piece Miniature Brass Emporium on Wednesday 21 May. Returning to his celebrated work New Futures — the first original piece commissioned by Manchester Jazz Festival 25 years ago — this performance promises to be nostalgic and forward-thinking in equal measure.
We’re also thrilled to welcome the phenomenal quartet Small Print on Saturday 24 May. Featuring Norma Winstone, Nikki Iles, Mike Walker and Steve Watts, this powerhouse ensemble defies genre boundaries with emotionally rich storytelling. Their bold artistry explores themes ranging from first love and obsession to murder, delivering a set that’s as lyrical as it is arresting.
Two of Chetham’s trailblazing alumni, Emily Rawicz and Gwilym Simcock, bring their dynamic new duo to Band on the Wall on Sunday 25 May. Hot off the heels of their album Big Visit, their joyful and spontaneous musical chemistry is a testament to the roots they cultivated at Chetham’s — and proof that jazz’s future is in great hands.
Looking ahead to summer, we’re delighted to launch our brand-new Jazz and Improvisation course at Chetham’s Summer School this August. Led by acclaimed violinist and educator Dominic Ingham, the course invites young musicians to explore small-group improvisation, jam sessions, and musical creativity in a supportive and inspiring setting. Open to rhythm section players and front-line soloists with a passion for jazz and improvisation, the course requires no audition — and can even count toward your Duke of Edinburgh Award.
It’s a thrilling time for jazz in Manchester — and we’re proud to be right at the heart of the beat.
