'Bollywood Meets Jazz' is a groundbreaking musical experience; the first of its kind in Aotearoa; brought to life by acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Ben Fernandez in collaboration with the powerhouse Auckland Jazz Orchestra (AJO).
Date: Tuesday 7th October at 7:30pm, Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber.
Experience iconic Bollywood hits reimagined with bold jazz arrangements, rich harmonies, and infectious grooves. Get transported into a world where classic Bollywood rhythms and melodies fuse with the pulse and improvisation of jazz. Featuring guest vocalists Ritika Puri, Gopal Nair and Allegra D'Souza, this groundbreaking 20-piece production promises nostalgia with a twist, celebrating Bollywood’s golden era in a way you’ve never heard before.
From a sellout show at TAPAC in Western Springs earlier this year, and now back by popular demand the band is thrilled to be a part of the BNZ Auckland Diwali Festival 2025.
Here are some comments from people who went to the 'Bollywood meets Jazz' concert held at TAPAC in Western Springs in May
“Hi Ben. Another outstanding project. Highly successful because the interpretation was so good.
You have bridged the two worlds so beautifully and what an awesome crowd.
Such collaboration in the domain of arts is where we can understand one another's art and culture better. You, the singers and the jazz orchestra just rocked.
I'm neither very familiar with jazz or Bollywood but I knew the tunes Humma Humma and Badtameez Dil and all three of us realised that language, type of music was really not an issue to understand the language of music. - Sandi
Konkani- it was my first time hearing that language, it sounded heavenly. Allegra, the singer has such a powerful voice. Awesome singing, great choice for the song.
“Ben, thanks so much. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. My neighbours did too. I think they already had an idea about it and were excited about the mix with jazz styles which they also like. It’s such a great idea of yours to mix these two styles together. Simply superb music”. - Steve (musician).
“Hey Ben , loved the concert last night. Brilliant singers, amazing band, well done!’ - Trudy Lile (professional musician, singer and flautist)
Hi Ben, Wow what a concert! Congratulations, it was brilliant. Lovely to see you in your total element. Sincerely hope that more opportunities and funding open up with this concept and concert. Would be great for Music in the park, as well as other long term events. Thank you for spreading so much joy and love through your music. Such a blessing. Take care, love to all. Lynne Bartlett (jazz singer)
Book your tickets today and come along to an evening of music where East meets West!!!
