Donovan Haffner - Alto Saxophone

Francisco Garcia De Paredes - Guitar

Jay Verma - Piano

Harry Pearce - Double bass

Harry Ling - Drums

Donovan Haffner recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, undertaking a BMus degree, specialising in Jazz. Donovan has played with a multitude of professional musicians including the big contemporary British names such as Moses Boyd, Charlie Stacey, and Jay Phelps, Balimaya Project, and European contemporary names such as Rasmus Sorenson. He has toured with star drummer Moses Boyd including around Italy at only 18 years old and at various places around the UK.

Donovan is also included in Jay Phelps’ Miles Davis Kind of Blue Project who play shows around the UK. Gary Crosby OBE, Alex Davis and Binker Golding of Tomorrow’s Warriors were amongst some of his mentors in his earlier years. He has been selected as a finalist for the 'Jazz Newcomer of the Year' award in the prestigious 'Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2024'. Donovan was also a finalist at the 'Music Company's Tina May Award' in 2024.

After being immersed in extracurricular music in primary school (piano and guitar), Donovan picked up the saxophone at age 10. He joined Tomorrow’s Warriors at the age of 11 and flourished under their guidance. Now an alumni of Tomorrow’s Warriors, Donovan still continues to be involved in their performances and sometimes deputises for the Tomorrow’s Warriors Nu Civilisation Orchestra.

Donovan Haffner runs his own Quintet. The group was formed by playing together at Guildhall School of Music when Donovan was just 18 years old. He loved the way everyone played and has kept the same band since. The band plays originals written by Donovan, which comprises of straight-ahead, neo-bop, and contemporary. He strives to create music which is contemporary whilst still honouring the rich history of jazz music. His tunes are inspired by his emotions that were present during the time of writing his tunes.