WellingtonEvents
Esperanza Spalding stands facing a velvet curtain, holding a red bouquet and looks over her right shoulder.

A five-time Grammy award-winning vocalist makes her Aotearoa debut at the 2024 Wellington Jazz Festival. esperanza spalding defies categorisation. She sings, plays bass, and composes. Her music seamlessly weaves jazz, soul, funk, and rock into visionary compositions. 

For her show at The Opera House, esperanza delves into her dynamic back catalogue. Songs from the critically acclaimed albums ‘Emily’s D+Evolution’ and ‘12 Little Spells’, will feature. Joining esperanza are two accomplished musicians. While she sings and plays bass, percussionist Eric Doob and guitarist Matt Stevens play alongside her. Two dancers from AntonioBrownDance company will join the trio, adding another dimension to the performance.

“...a virtuosic bass player. Her voice is capable of acrobatics.”

Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington