The Art of Close Harmony

The Melbourne Octet brings together eight outstanding musicians known for their sophisticated sound. The Octet toured Japan in 2025 with a program of stunning jazz arrangements, acclaimed for precise ensemble work and a disciplined blend. The Octet is delighted to present an afternoon of close-harmony jazz of the highest calibre, presenting finely crafted arrangements to create a refined and exciting sound world. Enter the era of the Jazz Band for an hour of pure delight!

It don’t Mean a Thing if it ain’t got that Swing — Duke Ellington, arr. Ben Parry
Let’s Misbehave — Cole Porter, arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Begin the Beguine — Cole Porter, arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Le Baylere — traditional folksong, arr. Goff Richards
Night and Day — Cole Porter, arr. Alexander L’Estrange
Machi no Dorufin — Kingo Hamada (1982), arr. Alexander L’Estrange
It’s De-Lovely — Cole Porter, arr. Alexander L’Estrange
O My Love is like a Red, Red Rose — traditional folksong, arr. Simon Carrington
Blue Moon — Richard Rogers, arr. David Blackwell
Dream a little Dream of Me — Wilbur Schwandt and Fabian Andree, arr. Julie Gaulke
The Best is Yet to Come — Cy Coleman, arr. Alexander L’Estrange
The Way you Look Tonight — Jerome Kern, arr. John Rutter
Tea for Two — Vincent Youmans, arr. Peter Gritton
Beyond the Sea — Charles Trenet & Jack Lawrence, arr. Alexander L’Estrange

https://woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au/the-art-of-close-harmony/