Darren will perform a mixture of original compositions and jazz standards, combining his love for cinematic jazz and electronic textures. Think acoustic piano with modular synths, together with more traditional solo piano pieces.

Absolute jazz legend, Darren Pickering is celebrated across the country as one of New Zealand’s finest jazz pianists, composer, educator, and modular synthesist. Based in Ōtautahi, Darren’s performing and teaching work includes Ara Music, institutions in London and Cairo, with international appearances in festivals throughout New Zealand, Cyprus and Lebanon. Notable collaborations include critically acclaimed performances with Whirimako Black, Dave Dobbyn, Anika Moa, Gordon Brisker (USA), William Parker (USA), and Iain Ballamy (UK). Darren’s current project is ‘Darren Pickering Small Worlds’ — a cinematic contemporary jazz quartet album series.