Ella Fitzgerald is probably the most beloved jazz singer of all time, with hits like Manhattan, Summertime, Bewitched and Lady is a Tramp. 

Amassing 13 Grammy Awards and 40 million albums sales over an astounding 60-plus year career, Ella could effortlessly cross over between sultry ballads, intricate jazz arrangements and light pop tunes, and could imitate any instrument of the orchestra. Born in 1917, Ella worked with all the greats including Ellington, Basie, Sinatra, Gillespie, Armstrong (or perhaps we should say they worked with her!) and she packed out venues worldwide during her career, including Dublin’s Adelphi Theatre in 1964 and the Cork Jazz Festival in 1982. Her greatest legacy is probably the Songbook Series, recorded between 1956 and 1981, considered a cornerstone of 20th century recorded popular music, representing some of the finest interpretations of the greater part of the musical canon known as the Great American Songbook.

John Donegan, UK based and originally from Cork, is a modern jazz pianist and composer. His music has been featured on the BBC, Jazz FM, RTE and independent radio stations in UK and Ireland.

Donegan’s major influences have been the likes of Bill Evans, Kenny Barron, Wynton Kelly, Bud Powell, Chic Corea and Keith Jarrett.

Route 66, a 16-piece big band with a difference, are pleased to return to Pavilion Theatre for their sixth visit following last year's successful 25th Anniversary Tour.

Their show takes audiences on a musical journey from the 1940s to the present day, featuring songs made popular by artists such as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller, Joe Dolan, Tina Turner, Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald and Adele.

Daniel Herskedal tuba / bass trumpet
Helge Lien piano
Helge Andreas Norbakken percussion

Prepare to be transported into the extraordinary soundworld of Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal. A true innovator of the tuba and bass trumpet, Herskedal’s music is cinematic, deeply expressive, and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

Daniel Herskedal tuba / bass trumpet
Helge Lien piano
Helge Andreas Norbakken percussion

Prepare to be transported into the extraordinary soundworld of Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal. A true innovator of the tuba and bass trumpet, Herskedal’s music is cinematic, deeply expressive, and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

Daniel Herskedal tuba / bass trumpet
Helge Lien piano
Helge Andreas Norbakken percussion

Prepare to be transported into the extraordinary soundworld of Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal. A true innovator of the tuba and bass trumpet, Herskedal’s music is cinematic, deeply expressive, and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

Daniel Herskedal tuba / bass trumpet
Helge Lien piano
Helge Andreas Norbakken percussion

Prepare to be transported into the extraordinary soundworld of Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal. A true innovator of the tuba and bass trumpet, Herskedal’s music is cinematic, deeply expressive, and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

Daniel Herskedal tuba / bass trumpet
Helge Lien piano
Helge Andreas Norbakken percussion

Prepare to be transported into the extraordinary soundworld of Norwegian composer and brass virtuoso Daniel Herskedal. A true innovator of the tuba and bass trumpet, Herskedal’s music is cinematic, deeply expressive, and unlike anything you’ve heard before.

"After the Last Sky"

For almost forty years Anouar Brahem has drawn on the traditions of Arab music, while consistently engaging with the wider world, finding inspiration in jazz and different cultures.

Eight years after Blue Maqams (ECM), he returns with a poignant project and album titled after a line of verse by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, which asks “Where should the birds fly, after the last sky?” Graceful chamber pieces for oud, cello, piano and bass subtly address the metaphysical question and its broad resonances in a troubled time.