Concert Hall, QPAC


22 Oct 2024, 7pm
$89 - $119

A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.

1 hour 30 minutes

(no interval, subject to change without notice)

esperanza spalding

Five-time GRAMMY award-winning vocalist, bass player and composer esperanza spalding kicks off her highly anticipated return tour to Australia at QPAC for a very special one-night-only performance.

One of the most unique talents in music today, esperanza has created a jazz oeuvre that seamlessly fuses soul, funk, pop and rock into an intoxicating musical blend.

Emphasising simplicity and intimacy of her voice, bass, and songs, in this special configuration of two musicians and two dancers, she performs music from all eight of her previous albums, a selection from her current releases, plus a special preview of her forthcoming project. 

esperanza became the first jazz musician to win the GRAMMY for Best New Artist (2011), beating out Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence & the Machine and Mumford and Sons. She has since won the GRAMMY for Best Jazz Vocal Album an impressive three times, most recently in 2022.

Her latest album Milton + esperanza is a collaboration with legendary Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento. With tracks in both English and Portuguese, the album features a mixture of classics from Milton’s catalogue, new songs from esperanza, and covers from other artists including The Beatles and Michael Jackson.

esperanza is no stranger to collaborating with icons, having previously performed with Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, John Legend, Alicia Keys and Janelle Monáe to name a few.

This is a rare opportunity to see one of the world’s great musicians – don’t miss out!


esperanza spalding (a.k.a. irma nejando) is an eaabibacliitoti* artist, trained and initiated in the North American (masculine) jazz lineage and tradition. Her work interweaves various combinations of instrumental music, improvisation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, therapeutic research, storytelling, teaching, restorative urban land & artist-sanctuary custodianship, and growing in love as a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, auntie, great-auntie, friend.

*European-African ancestored being influenced by American cultures living in Indigenous Territories of Turtle Island.


esperanza truly is one of the most genius musicians of our generation.

- Music Talkers

That powerful element that spalding possesses was ever present during her performance and I am glad I was able to witness the magic.

- Jazz Line

esperanza spalding is the 21st century’s jazz genius.

- NPR

The way esperanza moves in her melodies is truly breathtaking.

- Music Talkers

Appealing to the explorative child in all of us, esperanza spalding does away with the pretensions of modern jazz form, urging us to look back to a time when jazz was legitimately for everybody.

- Spectrum Culture

spalding cements her status as a collaborator capable of extracting mighty performances from her elders.

- The Guardian

Important Information

Age Recommendation

Recommended for ages 14+. 

Accessibility at QPAC

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here .

Presented by QPAC and Brisbane International Jazz Festival

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