The results of the Australian National Jazz Orchestra (ANJO) Youth Big Band auditions have been announced, with current JazzSA Superband member Charlotte Newhouse and alumni Jasmine Ferguson and Thomas Voss joining the ranks for 2022. 

67 applications (VIC 19, NSW 21, QLD 8, WA 9, SA 9, TAS 1) were received from elite young jazz musicians from all over Australia aged 18-25.  Applicants recorded and submitted notated and improvised excerpts for a ‘blindfold’ audition by judges, which included ANJO Youth Big Band Artistic Directors, Nadje Noordhuis (NY), David Theak (NSW) and Mace Francis (WA), plus 2022 guest conductor/composer Vanessa Perica (VIC). 

“I was blown away by the outstanding level of musicianship displayed by those who auditioned from across the country. We have some exciting new voices to watch out for. I can’t wait to work with this talented group in June!” – Vanessa Perica, 2022 ANJO Guest Artist. 

ANJO participants travel to Sydney in early June for a 5-day project, including rehearsal intensive, sectionals, festival and club performances, and a video/audio recording for future broadcast. ANJO Youth Big Band has added a November season, which will see the band perform at the Perth International Jazz Festival for the first time, with further concerts to be announced. 

Charlotte and Jasmine's ANJO attendance is proudly supported by the Mike Stewart Memorial Fund. 

For more information about ANJO, visit australiannationaljazzorchestra.com

Image credits: Claudio Raschelli