The Prague Connection
Search Gigs
When?
25 January 2026 starting 5:30 am
How much?
From: $20
What?
THE PRAGUE CONNECTION
A thrilling new international jazz quartet, The Prague Connection, will tour Australia in January 2026, uniting four acclaimed artists from across the globe in a powerful celebration of collaboration, chemistry and the timeless spirit of jazz.
At the heart of the ensemble is Libor Šmoldas, one of Europe’s leading jazz guitarists, praised for his “smooth, effortless and melodic approach” and “apparent love of jazz and his audience.” Šmoldas has performed and recorded with global icons including James Morrison, Bobby Watson, George Mraz, Jeff Ballard and Adam Nussbaum, and appears regularly at world-renowned venues such as Ronnie Scott’s (London), Smalls (New York), and the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Joining him is Ingrid James, award-winning Australian jazz vocalist celebrated for her “rich timbre, impeccable phrasing,” and “tangible emotional connection.” Her international credits include performances with orchestras and appearances at major European jazz venues from London to Prague.
Completing the line-up are Dr. Darren Heinrich, Sydney-based organist and educator, holder of Australia’s first PhD in Jazz Organ Improvisation, and Dave Sanders, one of the country’s most versatile drummers and educators, known for his rhythmic depth and stylistic versatility.
Their tour program showcases music from Heinrich’s latest release Riddle Diddle: The Prague Sessions and James & Šmoldas’ album Midnight Sun — fresh interpretations of jazz standards and originals that span swing, soul-jazz, and Brazilian influences. Expect a colourful sonic palette, sparkling arrangements, and expressive interplay from four artists at the peak of their artistry.
As Jazzport.cz described Midnight Sun:
“Zest, juice, emotion – dense and malleable music.”
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Date: Sunday 25 January 2026Venue: The Presynct (upstairs), 15 Ann St, NambourDoors: 3:30pm Show: 4:00–6:30pmTickets: www.oztix.com.au
LIBOR ŠMOLDAS (Guitar – Czech Republic)
One of Europe’s top jazz guitarists, Šmoldas has released eleven albums as leader and performed worldwide with legends such as George Mraz and Bobby Watson. His style bridges bebop, Brazilian, blues, and modern jazz.
INGRID JAMES (Vocals – Australia)
Award-winning vocalist and educator with an international career spanning performances from orchestras to leading European jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express.
DR. DARREN HEINRICH (Hammond Organ – Australia)
Organist, pianist and academic with Australia’s first PhD in Jazz Organ Improvisation. A protégé of Hammond masters Dr. Lonnie Smith and Tony Monaco.
DAVE SANDERS (Drums – Australia)
Highly regarded drummer, bandleader and educator with decades of experience across jazz, funk, pop and theatre. Teaches at Southern Cross University, the Jazz Music Institute and the University of Southern Queensland.
If you’re looking for a unique concert experience, look no further than The Jazz Sessions at The Presynct.This hidden gem offers intimate shows for listeners in a beautifully curated venue.
These are listening concerts where people can come together to enjoy live music in a true jazz club experience.We ask that talking is kept to a quiet whisper as audience members are actively listening to and connecting with the artists in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
These concerts give guests the opportunity to experience exceptional musicianship in an intimate setting.
?? Sunday 25th January? Doors 3:30pm | Show 4:00pm-6:30?? Tickets from $20?? 18+ Event?? No Thongs Permitted?? No Outside Drink bottles
A thrilling new international jazz quartet, The Prague Connection, will tour Australia in January 2026, uniting four acclaimed artists from across the globe in a powerful celebration of collaboration, chemistry and the timeless spirit of jazz.
At the heart of the ensemble is Libor Šmoldas, one of Europe’s leading jazz guitarists, praised for his “smooth, effortless and melodic approach” and “apparent love of jazz and his audience.” Šmoldas has performed and recorded with global icons including James Morrison, Bobby Watson, George Mraz, Jeff Ballard and Adam Nussbaum, and appears regularly at world-renowned venues such as Ronnie Scott’s (London), Smalls (New York), and the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Joining him is Ingrid James, award-winning Australian jazz vocalist celebrated for her “rich timbre, impeccable phrasing,” and “tangible emotional connection.” Her international credits include performances with orchestras and appearances at major European jazz venues from London to Prague.
Completing the line-up are Dr. Darren Heinrich, Sydney-based organist and educator, holder of Australia’s first PhD in Jazz Organ Improvisation, and Dave Sanders, one of the country’s most versatile drummers and educators, known for his rhythmic depth and stylistic versatility.
Their tour program showcases music from Heinrich’s latest release Riddle Diddle: The Prague Sessions and James & Šmoldas’ album Midnight Sun — fresh interpretations of jazz standards and originals that span swing, soul-jazz, and Brazilian influences. Expect a colourful sonic palette, sparkling arrangements, and expressive interplay from four artists at the peak of their artistry.
As Jazzport.cz described Midnight Sun:
“Zest, juice, emotion – dense and malleable music.”
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Date: Sunday 25 January 2026Venue: The Presynct (upstairs), 15 Ann St, NambourDoors: 3:30pm Show: 4:00–6:30pmTickets: www.oztix.com.au
LIBOR ŠMOLDAS (Guitar – Czech Republic)
One of Europe’s top jazz guitarists, Šmoldas has released eleven albums as leader and performed worldwide with legends such as George Mraz and Bobby Watson. His style bridges bebop, Brazilian, blues, and modern jazz.
INGRID JAMES (Vocals – Australia)
Award-winning vocalist and educator with an international career spanning performances from orchestras to leading European jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s and Pizza Express.
DR. DARREN HEINRICH (Hammond Organ – Australia)
Organist, pianist and academic with Australia’s first PhD in Jazz Organ Improvisation. A protégé of Hammond masters Dr. Lonnie Smith and Tony Monaco.
DAVE SANDERS (Drums – Australia)
Highly regarded drummer, bandleader and educator with decades of experience across jazz, funk, pop and theatre. Teaches at Southern Cross University, the Jazz Music Institute and the University of Southern Queensland.
If you’re looking for a unique concert experience, look no further than The Jazz Sessions at The Presynct.This hidden gem offers intimate shows for listeners in a beautifully curated venue.
These are listening concerts where people can come together to enjoy live music in a true jazz club experience.We ask that talking is kept to a quiet whisper as audience members are actively listening to and connecting with the artists in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
These concerts give guests the opportunity to experience exceptional musicianship in an intimate setting.
?? Sunday 25th January? Doors 3:30pm | Show 4:00pm-6:30?? Tickets from $20?? 18+ Event?? No Thongs Permitted?? No Outside Drink bottles
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