One of the most anticipated fixtures on the 2026 cultural calendar: SIMA’s Jazz:NOW program isn’t just a concert series; it’s a living, breathing pulse of where the music is heading and the program is a masterclass in modern improvisation. Joining us in the studio is Novak Manojlovic—a pianist and composer who has spent the last few years essentially remapping the boundaries of the Australian jazz scene. He’s fresh off his collaboration with Laurence Pike for the Possible Utopias launch and is a central figure in this year’s Jazz:NOW lineup.

Here he speaks to Tony Roma on Thursday Drive.