The Michelle Nicolle Quartet has been playing together for 24 years. Michelle and her quartet are a rarity in today’s jazz groups. An ensemble with a contemporary and forward-thinking approach, but at the same time steeped in the tradition of jazz, storytelling, and the magic of the live performance.
The quartet will play repertoire from new album The Bach Project, which richly embraces the music of J.S. Bach in a unique chamber jazz style, as well as other jazz tunes.
“ [Michelle Nicolle is] an Australian jazz singer ready to command a world stage.” - Sydney Morning Herald.
This concert raises funds for the restoration of the Great Hall, one of the original Montsalvat buildings.
Sunday 26th November 2023
5pm - 7pm incl. interval
The Barn Gallery
Adult $50
Concession / Child $45
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An arranger and band-leader, Michelle started her musical career at the age of eight, studying the violin in the famous wine region, Barossa Valley. Now based in Melbourne, she is celebrated as one of Australia's finest female jazz singers. Known for her ability to get right to the heart of a song, as well as being an in the moment improviser Michelle has continually developed and nurtured her art form with the help of her quartet: Geoff Hughes (g), Tom Lee (b) and Ronny Ferella (d).
As well as releasing 9 CDs Michelle has toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, with performances including Tokyo Jazz Festival, Jakjazz(Indonesia),Jarasum Jazz Festival (Korea), Turkey, Estonia, Finland, North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands),Asia Pacific Festival (Russia), Prague Jazz Festival 2015, 2018 (Cz Republic), London 2016 and JEN Conference, USA 2017,2020, 2023, Frost School of Music (Miami) and JazzVox in Seattle, (USA) 2017, 2019, 2023, University Of North Texas 2019, Oceanside Jazz Festival (Mira Costa, USA) 2019, and Sidebar, (New Orleans), Classic Pianos, (Portland, OR) 2020, Kulak’s Woodshed, (Los Angeles), The Blue Building (NYC 2023).
Over this ongoing period of musical activity, the MNQ has developed a double identity; It is a jazz ensemble steeped in tradition - playing original compositions by Michelle, interpreting and reimagining the great American Songbook and a 21st Century improvising chamber group where each member has a highly developed sense of the musical possibilities that the collective can achieve in any moment.
Michelle Nicolle holds a Bachelor of Education, an Associate Diploma of Jazz (University of Adelaide) and currently teaches voice, improvisation and Small Jazz Ensemble at University of Melbourne, VCASS (Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School), Monash University, and regularly tours Australia and USA as a clinician.
Image: Giuseppe Dante-Sapienza.