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13 August 2012

Christopher Hale wins the 2012 Freedman Fellowship


Christopher Hale wins the 2012 Freedman Fellowship

Guitarist Christopher Hale is the winner of the 2012 MCA/Freedman Fellowship for Jazz. The announcement was made on Friday night (10 August) after a concert showcasing the four finalists with their ensembles. The other finalists were Zac Hurren (saxophone), Evan Mannell (drums) and Jeremy Rose (saxophone).

Melbourne-based Hale plays bass guitar (and many other instruments) with his trio, the Christopher Hale Ensemble, as well as numerous other groups and singers. Since 2009 Hale has been the Brazilian percussion specialist for Channel 7's Dancing With The Stars. He has performed throughout Australia and across the USA, Canada, UK, Europe and the South Pacific at major festivals and events.

Christopher Hale intends to use the fellowship for intensive mentorship, recording and performance collaborations with two master musicians, Simon Barker in Australia and Kim Ju-Hong in Korea. He also wants to develop new instrumental approaches for the bass guitar, based on traditional Korean drumming practices.

The judges for 2012 - David Theak, John Clare and Mike Nock - commented, 'Chris Hale's ensemble edged out the competition with its variety, cohesion and sheer excellence.'

The purpose of the Fellowship is to assist performers up to 35 years of age to further their careers and enhance their abilities as jazz artists. Nominees propose a specific project either overseas or within Australia. The fellowship brings the winner a $15,000 cash prize, as well as active support from the Music Council of Australia personnel.

Established in 1998 by Laurence and Kathy Freedman, the Freedman Foundation also supports visual artists, Australian youth projects, and scientific and medical research.

Further links

'2012 Freedman Jazz Winner announced' - the Music Council of Australia website
'Eclectic four push the limits in harmonious race' - a review by John Shand of the Freedman Fellowship concert in the Sydney Morning Herald (14 August 2012)


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The Australian Music Centre connects people around the world to Australian composers and sound artists. By facilitating the performance, awareness and appreciation of music by these creative artists, it aims to increase their profile and the sustainability of their art form. Established in 1974, the AMC is now the leading provider of information, resources, materials and products relating to Australian new music.


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