Nikki Iles

Nikki Anne Iles is a celebrated British jazz composer, pianist, and educator, born on May 16, 1963, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. With a rich musical background, she has risen to the front ranks of British jazz musicians. Iles began her musical journey at the Leeds College of Music, graduating in 1984, and later joined the group Emanon, led by trumpeter Henry Lowther. Her career has seen her achieve numerous milestones, including becoming the first woman chief conductor of a German radio big band. In 2025, she will take on the role of principal conductor of the Hamburg-based NDR Bigband. As a composer-in-residence for the NDR Bigband in 2023, Iles has explored the boundaries of musical perfection. Her work as an award-winning pianist and composer continues to captivate audiences, and her 20-piece Jazz Orchestra tours mark significant chapters in her illustrious career.