The award winning Monash Art Ensemble, featuring Australian jazz icon Paul Grabowsky (piano), Rob Burke(saxophone) Jordan Murray (trombone) and Paul Williamson (trumpet), will be joined by acclaimed American musicians Mark Helias (bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums) for a one-off performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Thursday 1 October at 7pm.
The concert celebrates the 50th anniversary of Monash University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and is set to highlight the heavyweights of improvised music; Mark Helias and Nasheet Waits, considered archetypal improvisers on the New York scene, and the formidable free-wielding talents of the Monash Art Ensemble.
The Beyond Borders program features Mark Helias’ compositions as well as a new work from celebrated Australian born, New York City based pianist and composer, Barney McAll entitled Zephyrus Split: A Suite In Four Parts. This piece has been especially commissioned for the concert by Monash University.
Established in August 2012, the Monash Art Ensemble is a collaboration between the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and the Australian Art Orchestra. MAE acts to support the development of excellence in young Australian musicians, foster a culture of innovation amongst established Australian musicians and encourage community engagement with Australian musicians and music.
Since its inception, the ensemble has commissioned eight new Australian works including three award winning works, has collaborated with international musicians including George Lewis, Dave Douglas and Django Bates and has released two award-winning CDs.
Throughout his 30-year career, Yale School of Music graduate Mark Helias has performed with a panoply of world class artists including Edward Blackwell, Anthony Davis, Marcel Khalife and Gerry Hemingway. A prolific composer he has written music for two feature films as well as chamber pieces and large ensemble and big band works.
Nasheet Waits graduated from New York’s Long Island University with honours and has had many musical influences including renowned percussionist Michael Carvin, Max Roach and not the least, his father, legendary percussionist Frederick Waits. Nasheet has recorded and toured extensively in Africa, Europe, Japan, Canada, South America and the United States and lists one highlight of his tenure with Roach’s famed percussion ensemble M’BOOM performing with Tony Williams and Ginger Baker.
Barney McAll is the 2015 recipient of the Peggy Glanville-Hicks composer residency in Sydney. He has collaborated with many musicians including Dewey Redman, Roy Ayers, Kenny Garrett, Maceo Parker, Aloe Blacc, Daniel Merriweather and is currently, musical director for Australian vocalist Sia Furler.
From August to October, more than 200 musicians including leading international players, Australian icons, acclaimed alumni, staff and students have come together to make music in exciting and innovative ways. The program of over 30 concerts, including 18 free performances, celebrate Monash University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music’s 50th anniversary.