GRAMMY award-winner set to light up Adelaide stage
Internationally acclaimed bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh will wow South Australian music lovers, performing with top musicians and staff from The Elder Conservatorium of Music, the University of Adelaide.
GRAMMY award-winning Linda May Han Oh will be taking centre stage to perform an afternoon concert and an Open Masterclass for South Australian music lovers and students.
The Malaysian-born, multi-award-winning musician, who is currently associate professor of the bass department at the Berklee College of Music in New York, will headline A Night of Jazz, an afternoon concert at UKARIA Cultural Centre in Mount Barker Summit on August 16.
The show will feature Linda adapting select songs from her new album, Strange Heavens, as well as performing some much-loved jazz classics. She will be joined on stage by a nine-piece ensemble of award-winning students from the Elder Conservatorium of Music: Chair Anderson, Maisie Aitken, Christopher Allen, Millie Curry, Lachlan Durrans, Kallan Francis, Courteney Hooper, Lachlan McGargill, Jacob Phillips and Ruby Zoontjens.
And, in a more intimate mode, with stellar staff members Lauren Henderson on vocals, James Muller on guitar, Stephen Neville on drums and Timothy Clarkson on saxophone.
“It has been more than a decade since I’ve performed in Adelaide so I’m excited to be coming back to work with these young musicians at the Helpmann Academy.” Linda said. “We’ll be playing some of my original music and I’m excited to be a part of this program and also to perform at the special cultural space that is UKARIA.”
The only organisation of its kind in Australia, Helpmann Academy provides professional development opportunities including grants, awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, workshops and artist residencies, tailored to South Australia’s tertiary education graduates and emerging artists.
A Night of Jazz is the academy’s annual jazz awards event and concert that honours outstanding musicians from the University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium of Music.
“A Night of Jazz is one of Helpmann Academy’s premier events,” Helpmann Academy CEO Jane MacFarlane said. “This year, we’re honoured to welcome Linda as our mentor and headline artist. A powerhouse in contemporary jazz, Linda brings unmatched artistry, insight and inspiration to the stage.
“Performing alongside South Australia’s most promising emerging jazz musicians, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness world-class talent alongside the next generation of jazz in an unforgettable performance.”
The University of Adelaide will also host In Conversation with Linda on the subject of “On Gender Equity in Jazz” on August 13, and an Open Masterclass on August 14.
Professor Anna Goldsworthy, director of Elder Conservatorium of Music, said Linda’s return to Adelaide offers “an instrumental experience” for jazz students and graduates.
“Her global perspective, artistic integrity and invaluable mentorship will resonate deeply with our music community,” she said. “Working with an artist of her calibre at such a formative stage in their careers can be life-changing, and we are delighted to present this extraordinary opportunity in partnership with the Helpmann Academy.”
A Night of Jazz concert tickets on sale now from helpmannacademy.com.au or UKARIA.com
