Freedman Jazz Fellowship Finalists Announced
FREEDMAN JAZZ FELLOWSHIP FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
The four finalists for the 2014 Freedman Jazz Fellowship, Australia’s premier award for excellence in jazz, have been announced. 2014’s contenders for the annual scholarship are trombonist Shannon Barnett, vocalist Gian Slater and pianists Mathew Sheens and Aaron Choulai
Aaron Choulai, pianist, back from Tokyo.
Aaron Choulai has been Musical Director for the Queensland Music Festival production We Don’t Dance for No Reason involving singers and films from Papua New Guinea, Musical Co-Director for the Black Arm Band and Musical Director for Kate Cerberano. He has received a number of awards, made many recordings and given festival performances in Australia, Japan and Italy. He has a Master’s in Music degree from Tokyo College of the Arts. Aaron was nominated by inaugural Freedman Jazz Fellow Andrea Keller.
Gian Slater, singer, who will travel from Melbourne.
Gian Slater is a vocalist and composer known for her great musicality and her vision for vocal music. She has been a Freedman finalist in 2004 and 2010. To be nominated is already an honour and each time she has been nominated she has been selected as a finalist. She has released eight albums of her original music as well as appearing on other recordings and film soundtracks. Her large vocal ensemble, Invenio, has performed for major festivals and civic and industry events. Gian was also nominated by Andrea Keller.
Shannon Barnett, trombonist, on loan from Cologne.
Shannon Barnett is a much-awarded trombonist currently establishing herself on the international jazz scene. She is a current member of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, and has been a regular member of the resident big band at Birdland Jazz Club in New York City. Her quartet was support for the Ahmad Jamal Quartet tour of Australia and she has performed at many major festivals in Australia, the USA and Europe. Shannon was nominated for the Freedman by Freedman Jazz Fellow Kristin Berardi.
Matthew Sheens, pianist, who will fly from New York City.
Matthew Sheens is a graduate of the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide and has a Master’s from the New England Conservatory in Boston. He is the Fellowship’s first finalist from Adelaide. He has received high-level academic awards in Australia and the USA, performed in international festivals in Australia, USA and Europe, as well as making radio and television appearances. He is currently living in New York City. Matthew was nominated by Lydon Gray of the Adelaide organisation COMA.
The finalists will now have the opportunity to compete for the prestigious $15,000 cash prize in a live performance “play-off’” at the Freedman Jazz Fellowship finals, at Sydney Opera House.
Who: Aaron Choulai, Gian Slater, Shannon Barnett, Matthew Sheens
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: Wednesday 20 August at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $35/$30 www.sydneyoperahouse.com