Experience the electrifying CTIJF Orchestra at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival
The CTIJF Jazz Orchestra
Image: Supplied
When some of South Africa’s most accomplished jazz musicians gather in one room, the result is bound to be electric.
This year, the CTIJF Jazz Orchestra promises exactly that: a powerful big band performance that blends musical heritage with a fresh, modern sound.
Taking shape specifically for the stage of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the orchestra brings together an impressive mix of performers and educators who represent some of the best talent the country has to offer.
Trumpeter and musical director Muneeb Hermans explained that the ensemble was carefully assembled with a clear musical vision in mind.
“The CTIJF Jazz Orchestra was selected by myself,” he said. “I basically had an idea of the music we were going to feature for this year’s festival at the time this project was put together.”
For Hermans, choosing the musicians was not a difficult task. Many of them are artists he deeply respects both for their musicianship and their role in shaping South Africa’s jazz education landscape.
“This group of musicians are quite special to me,” he said. “They are some of the best musicians and educators our country has to offer. When I got asked to lead this project, I already knew exactly who the right people were for the job.”
With roughly 20 musicians coming together to form the orchestra, rehearsals have been both intense and inspiring. Hermans said there is something uniquely powerful about hearing that many talented performers working together.
“To be honest, having a group of talented artists in one room is pretty amazing,” he said. “It’s not every day you get to work with 20 amazing musicians all at once.”
While the musical arrangements can be demanding, the process has been smooth and enjoyable.
“The rehearsals have been going quite smoothly,” he added. “The music is quite intense but enjoyable too.”
Jazz has always thrived on improvisation and personal expression, but performing within a large orchestra requires a delicate balance between structure and freedom. Hermans explained that the arrangements allow musicians space to showcase their creativity while still maintaining the overall sound of the ensemble.
“The balance in this kind of setup is quite important as it’s not solely based on improvisation,” he said. “But the moments are there for the guys to express themselves through improvisation.”
This blend of tradition and innovation lies at the heart of the festival itself. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has built a global reputation for celebrating the roots of jazz while also championing new sounds and fresh interpretations of the genre.
Hermans believes the orchestra reflects that spirit.
“The CTIJF Jazz Orchestra continues the spirit of heritage by paying respect to the greats who have paved the way for all of us,” he explained. “With all that knowledge and education, the Jazz Orchestra definitely brings a modern-day sound to big band music but of course not stepping away from its original formats.”
For audiences, the performance promises to be a musical journey that bridges generations of sound.
“The audience can definitely expect a high-energy performance from the orchestra,” Hermans said. “I have put together a programme which will excite the audience and take them back to the sounds of yesterday but also introduce the sounds of today.”
Beyond the music itself, the festival carries deep meaning for many local artists who grew up watching the event and dreaming of one day performing on its stage.
Hermans knows that feeling well. His own first professional appearance at the festival dates back more than a decade.
“The Cape Town International Jazz Festival has always been a big moment for any local who ever gets an opportunity to play,” he said.
He recalls performing at the event in 2013 alongside legendary guitarist Errol Dyers, a memory that remains particularly special.
“That moment was special, and I will always be grateful to the festival for creating these opportunities,” he said.
This year’s performance will also feature an international touch. Dutch tenor saxophonist Alexander Beets is set to join the orchestra as a guest performer.
“Alexander Beets, a tenor saxophonist from the Netherlands who arrives later this month, will be a guest with the band on one song,” Hermans revealed.
While that collaboration is sure to be a highlight, Hermans said the full programme has been designed to leave audiences energised and inspired.
“In general, the whole performance promises to deliver a mind-blowing experience for audiences.”