ACO Up Close: Tomeka Reid Quartet
Tomeka Reid and visionary guitarist Mary Halvorson lead an acclaimed quartet in a rare Sydney performance of fearless, boundary-pushing contemporary jazz.
New South Wales
ACO On The Pier - The Neilson
ACO On The Pier - The Neilson
Change VenueFor the Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival, Reid brings her acclaimed quartet to ACO On The Pier, featuring visionary guitarist Mary Halvorson, whose groundbreaking approach to composition and improvisation has established her as one of the most influential musicians of her generation. Together, Reid and Halvorson create music of extraordinary imagination, depth and spontaneity, leading an ensemble celebrated for its adventurous spirit and remarkable musical connection.
Joining them are longtime collaborators Jason Roebke on bass and Tomas Fujiwara on drums, completing one of contemporary jazz's most compelling quartets. Their performances move effortlessly between intricate compositions, lyrical beauty and exhilarating improvisation, captivating audiences around the world.
This rare Sydney appearance offers an intimate opportunity to experience two of the most important creative voices in modern jazz at the height of their powers.
Supporting Act
Highly versatile violinist, vocalist and composer Véronique Serret effortlessly bridges the divide between classical and contemporary art forms. Blending loops, delays, reverbs vocals and her 6 string violin, she redefines the expression of her instrument in an ever shifting landscape.
Her musical language activated by the raw acoustic sounds of the Australian bush, her love of birds, peppered with her colourful Mauritian heritage, a life on the road, rigorous classical training and a love of deep listening combine to generate a contemporary sonic field.
A member of Ensemble Offspring and appearing regularly with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance, Véronique’s latest album Migrating Bird was nominated for an ARIA in 2024.
Véronique Serret violin, vocals

The Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) has supported the creative intentions, ideas and identities of Sydney’s most inspired jazz and improvising musicians for over forty years.
Whether by staging long-running series or hosting one-off gigs, presenting regional tours or educational workshops, SIMA has been determined to give both established and emerging musicians a forum for expression that focuses on the radical and the unexpected, the thrilling and the unique, and reinforces a connection to the most foundational aspect of jazz – the magic of improvisation.
LOCATION
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ABOUT ACO UP CLOSE
Step into The Neilson at ACO On The Pier and enter a temple of sound. Let music speak in its own clear voice — curious, crafted, and deeply human. The ACO is thrilled to present an exceptional gathering of musicians carefully curated to reflect and extend the dynamic and explosive vision of the ACO, and to shape a musical conversation between tradition and bold imagination. Discover the full 2026 program.
- CONCERT duration
- 105 minutes, incl. interval