Jacob Collier with the Gran Canaria Philharmonic — Late Summer at the Auditorio

Why Jacob Collier?

Jacob Collier, born 1994 in London, has done something no British musician before him has done: he won at least one Grammy for each of his first four albums — seven in total, on 17 nominations. His repertoire stretches from Bach inversions through Stevie Wonder arrangements to original compositions featuring choirs assembled from thousands of YouTube contributors.

Quincy Jones signed him in 2014, aged 19, after seeing a self-recorded a cappella video of «Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing». What Collier has done since is not quite jazz, not quite pop, not quite classical — a category of one, for which «multi-instrumentalist» understates the case.

Why with orchestra?

Collier's album series «Djesse» (Vol. 1–4) was an orchestral project from the start. Vol. 1, recorded with the Metropole Orkest in Hilversum, won the 2018 Grammy for «Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella». Vol. 4 was nominated for «Album of the Year» in 2025 — the first British artist who isn't a solo artist in the classical sense to receive that nomination.

The tour with various symphony orchestras is the natural continuation. In Las Palmas the partner is the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria — over 45 years old, the only Spanish orchestra with a contract with the classical label Deutsche Grammophon. The match is honourable for both sides.

Suzie Collier — the conductor

The conductor of the evening is Suzie Collier, concert violinist, teacher at the Royal Academy of Music in London — and Jacob's mother. She has worked as a conductor and composer for her children since the 1990s (Jacob has two sisters, all musicians). The tour with Jacob is also a biographical bracket: the house in Finchley where Jacob recorded the album «In My Room» (2016) in his bedroom was Suzie's house.

The Auditorio and the festival

The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus is Las Palmas's most important concert hall, on the edge of Playa de las Canteras. Architect Óscar Tusquets designed the building in 1997; the main hall seats 1,667 and is regarded as one of the best acoustic spaces in Spain. At sunset, light through the circular windows falls directly on the stage — an effect Collier has described as magical in previous visits.

The 35th Festival Internacional Canarias Jazz & Más runs from 9 to 25 July 2026 with concerts on several of the Canary Islands. Jacob's concert is one of the highlights. Alongside that there are free open-air programmes — generally announced in full shortly before the festival.

Tickets and getting there

Tickets have been on sale since 27 February 2026 via canariasjazz.com and the official channels of the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. Prices vary by section; the festival recommends buying early (the concert sold out in 2023).

The Auditorio is reachable on bus lines 1, 12, 17 and 80 from the city centre. If you're staying at Las Canteras, you can walk along the beach — about 20 minutes from Mesa y López, 35 from Santa Catalina. Parking nearby is scarce; bus or taxi is better.

Frequently asked questions

What does Jacob Collier play with an orchestra?

Excerpts from the four «Djesse» albums plus arrangements of classics. The specific setlist is announced shortly before — previous OFGC concerts have included «Bridge over Troubled Water», «In My Room», original compositions, and surprise covers.

Is this a jazz concert or a classical concert?

Neither cleanly. Collier crosses classical genre boundaries — best understood as a contemporary orchestral concert with pop, jazz and classical elements.

When did sales open?

27 February 2026, via canariasjazz.com.

Are there student discounts?

The Auditorio Alfredo Kraus usually offers discounts for students under 26 and pensioners. For festival concerts the decision is made case by case.

What should I wear?

Smart casual works. Not as formal as a symphony performance, but not beachwear either. The air conditioning is strong; a light jacket helps.