UT Jazz Faculty feat. Melissa Aldana

Fri, Apr 03

Join us for a live taping and listening-room concert for UT Jazz Faculty feat. Melissa Aldana! Melissa Aldana – Saxophone, Guest Artist UT Jazz Studies Faculty: Diego Rivera – Saxophone, Artistic Director Michael Sailors – Trumpet Paul Deemer – Trombone Jacob Wise – Guitar Ross Margitza – Piano John Fremgen – Bass Daniel Dufour – Drums About Melisssa Aldana: GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist and composer Melissa Aldana has earned international acclaim as one of the leading voices of her generation. Born in Santiago and raised in a musical family, Aldana began studying saxophone with her father at age six before moving to the United States to attend Berklee College of Music. In 2013, at age 24, she made history as the first female instrumentalist and the first South American musician to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Her deeply expressive sound and distinctive compositional voice have established her as a major presence on the international jazz scene. Aldana records for Blue Note Records, where she released the acclaimed album 12 Stars in 2022. Her earlier recording Visions earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Improvised Jazz Solo and was widely praised for its emotional depth and artistic vision. A founding member of the all-star ensemble ARTEMIS, Aldana continues to perform and collaborate with leading artists around the world while also serving on the jazz faculty at New England Conservatory. Recognized for both her powerful improvisation and thoughtful compositions, she has become one of the most compelling saxophonists and bandleaders in contemporary jazz. Abou the UT Jazz Faculty: The University of Texas Jazz Faculty Ensemble is a dynamic collective of world-class musicians and educators performing programs that span the full spectrum of jazz. Under the direction of Diego Rivera, Director of Jazz Studies at UT Austin, the ensemble showcases the exceptional talent and versatility of the university’s jazz faculty. Comprising seasoned professionals who are deeply committed to both performance and pedagogy, the ensemble performs a rich blend of original compositions, inventive arrangements, and timeless jazz standards. The ensemble offers a unique and vibrant sound, reflecting the individual voices of its accomplished members, each a respected performer and educator. While upholding the traditions of jazz, the group also pushes its boundaries, producing innovative music that exemplifies the excellence and forward-thinking spirit of the University of Texas jazz program. The ensemble’s performances are a testament to the faculty’s deep expertise, creative energy, and collaborative spirit. Each concert showcases the seamless intersection of artistry and education that defines the UT Austin jazz community. Regularly performing throughout the academic year, the University of Texas Jazz Faculty Ensemble remains a vital part of Austin’s rich cultural landscape, inspiring audiences with both technical brilliance and emotional depth. NEW ADDRESS | 310 E SAINT ELMO ROAD AUSTIN TX 78745 Please Note: This is a live-taping, so we'll be enforcing a whisper-policy! Cold bottles of still and sparkling water will be available for purchase, but this event is BYOB. Ice will be available if needed, wine keys and 9oz cups provided! First Show: Doors at 7:45pm, Show at 8pm. Second Show: Doors at 9:45pm, Show at 10pm.