Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra at the RNCM

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra

18 May 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Photo of Nikki Iles with hands clasped at piano
manchester jazz festival
Book now

As part of this year’s jam-packed manchester jazz festival, the RNCM welcomes back award-winning pianist and composer, Nikki Iles and her 20-piece Jazz Orchestra. Described by the Guardian as “one of the most refreshing figures to have emerged in the UK in recent times”, Iles is a pianist of extraordinary imagination, her sensitive playing and improvisational style centred on obliquely resolved phrasing that sidesteps expectation.

A founding member of the innovative Creative Jazz Orchestra in the early ’90s, Iles has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in jazz, one that turns to a new chapter as she heads out on a national tour with a newly-assembled 20-piece band. With them, she’ll perform original works from across her career, as well as new compositions, showcasing the broad range of her writing, arranging and playing.

Where to go near Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra at the RNCM

Manchester
Restaurant
San Carlo Fumo

San Carlo Fumo is a sun trap on St Peter’s Square, serving up traditional Italian food at its best

Utility Gift Shop
Manchester
Shop
Utility Gift Shop

Utility Gift Shop on Oxford Road is all about products that are new, unique, quirky and cool. High street shopping at its best.

exterior of Contact Theatre building
Manchester
Theatre
Contact Theatre

Following a major redevelopment, the iconic venue on Oxford Road will be reopening its doors to welcome the public back into the building this autumn. 

The Salutation pub in Manchester
Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Salutation

This traditional boozer, surrounded by imposing flats and university buildings, was taken over by Trof (of the Deaf Institute fame). The Sally, as the regulars call it, hosts an energetic, arty crowd – and its recently expanded outside area is another good reason to visit.

What's on: Music

Bill Callahan in green shirt, looking down in a cluttered room with guitars
ActivityCity Centre
Bill Callahan at Aviva Studios

Bill Callahan brings his new album My Days of 58 to Aviva Studios, facing down mortality with warmth and dry humour.

From £40.00
GB by Samuel Wilson, courtesy of Grey Lantern.
Music
GB at The White Hotel

Copenhagen’s GB spent weeks cutting up a free London newspaper to build Herzsprung’s angular art-rock, coming to The White Hotel.

From £14.40
Until
CinemaManchester
Queer Up North

Queer Up North’s new digital archive sparks a city-wide programme including a return for The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at HOME.

Matt Spratt.
MusicManchester
Madra Salach at New Century

This Irish folk six-piece released a stark and often beautiful debut EP that gives little hint of their “feral, snarling” live show.

From £21.00
Music
Ditz at The White Hotel

Brighton’s Ditz bring industrial noise and thoughtful lyrics to The White Hotel for the first and last time, supported by Bathing Suits.

From £18.50

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Shakespearean tragedy, indie musical theatre, live art and beautifully strange dance-theatre – four standout picks for autumn.

Nwando Ebizie and Sidiki Dembélé wear jewel-toned clothes against a midnight blue backdrop.
Music

Returning legends, their noisy heirs and centuries-old music made new – all in our latest guide update.

Food and Drink in the North

Step into autumn safe in the knowledge that you have the North's very best mid-September guide to food and drink in Manchester and beyond.

Exhibitions

Our latest exhibition picks include a lost recording of the Strangeways protest, Manchester's first sound art festival, and queer archives revisited.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.