The annual Cavell Leitch New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival starts today in Christchurch and runs through until this coming Monday.
Billy Childs Photo: Raj Naik
It features a lineup of jazz acts from New Zealand and further abroad, including Christchurch musicians Sumo Jazz and Darren Pickering, blues legend Midge Marsden, and neo-soul singer Sacha Vee.
Audiences are set for a treat with the headline act though- five-time Grammy award winner Billy Childs will appear with his quartet at the James Hay theatre on Saturday night.
Billy Childs Photo: Raj Naik
He’s a prolific composer and performer, with a CV that includes everyone from YoYo Ma and the Kronos Quartet to Sting and Renee Fleming.
He’s also served as President of Chamber Music America, so he’s a major figure on the contemporary music scene.
Nick Tipping spoke to Billy Childs in advance of his visit, and asked him how he feels about his place in the world of music.
