WJC is pleased to present the opening headliner concert for 2025

“Reject the Natural, Become Mechanical” is an eight-movement suite composed for jazz big band by Harrison Scholes, created as part of my master’s thesis in 2022. This thesis delves into the concept of music as a storytelling medium, examining how musical composition can convey a narrative or thematic progression. The central theme of the suite is the process of transformation, specifically the journey from a natural world to a mechanized one. Through these movements, the composition traces the gradual shift from organic, living elements to artificial, mechanical structures, capturing the essence of this evolution both sonically and thematically.

Conducted by Peter Scholes
Saxophones: Bryn Van Vliet, Nicholas Baucke-Maunsell, Aidan McCulloch, Dylan Holmes, Elisa Bird
Trumpets: Cameron Robertson, Jack Harré, James MacEwan, Sylvester Green
Trombones (tbc): Kaito Walley, Julian Kirgan Báez
Rhythm section: Lennox Grootjans (Drums), Max Sheehan (Percussion), Jo Jenkins (Guitar), Arjuna Oakes (Piano), Harrison Scholes (Bass)

First set 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Second set 9-10pm
Pre-purchasing a ticket on Eventfinda.co.nz is recommended. Door sales (if available) $25pp