Aside from all the speakers, we are as excited for the entertainment for our evening – Akash Dutta! Akash is a jazz pianist/composer based in Wellington. He is currently in his first year of postgraduate jazz studies at the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University. His style combines aspects of traditional Indian, Persian, and Middle-Eastern musical practices in combination with Contemporary and Post-Bop jazz. His original works span a wide range of genres, from works for solo piano, compositions for radio dramas, and film soundtracks to his name. Additionally, he has been deeply involved in the NZ jazz scene, playing in various ensembles ranging from the NZSM Big Bands to the Wellington Ska Orchestra. Akash’s postgraduate work concerns the adaptation of Middle-Eastern music into the jazz canon, which is strongly reflected in his music. It’s definitely going to be an evening of mesmerizing talent all around!
