Roger Manins

23 dec 2024

Dr. Roger Manins, a renowned saxophonist from Auckland, New Zealand, led a month-long residency at Tante Nino, inviting pianist Lucas Kewell—also from New Zealand and currently based in Basel—to collaborate.

"Three days of rehearsals at Tante Nino allowed us to develop a deeper musical connection," Roger reflects. The success of this residency has already set the stage for future collaborations, including a concert in New Zealand in February 2025.

The uninterrupted time at the grand piano in Tante Nino proved to be a wellspring of inspiration. "It gave me the space to compose a suite that I later recorded with a quartet in Berlin," Roger shares. This period of focused creativity was instrumental in shaping his latest work.

Beyond performance and composition, Roger collaborated with Maaike van Liempt to design and lead a two-part improvisation workshop for local musicians of all skill levels. "The feedback was overwhelmingly positive," he says. "There’s already momentum to continue this initiative."

The residency’s impact extended into the community through impromptu blues sessions with local musicians, including participants from his workshops. "It was incredible to see how quickly music fosters connection."

Networking played a key role in Roger’s time in Rotterdam. "I established valuable relationships with Dutch musicians, laying the groundwork for future collaborations." As the artistic director of Auckland’s Creative Jazz Club, he is passionate about fostering exchanges between Dutch and New Zealand musicians to expand opportunities for both communities.

Reflecting on the residency, Roger describes it as a rare and invaluable opportunity. "To compose, collaborate, teach, and network in such a relaxed and supportive environment was a gift. This experience deepened my connection to the Dutch music scene, and I look forward to making it a recurring part of my touring calendar."