The Monash Art Ensemble was established in 2012 within the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance at Monash University thanks to the generosity of the Vizard Foundation, the Robert Salzer Foundation, and the Minsmere Foundation. The ensemble, directed by Paul Grabowsky AO, is a polystylistic ensemble that aims to support the development of excellence in young Australian musicians, foster a culture of innovation amongst established Australian musicians, and encourage community engagement with the Australian music industry.
_THE COMPOSER _ CHERYL DURONGPISITSKUL
Commissioned by the Monash Art Ensemble, Cheryl's composition is a response to her personal experiences as a woman-of-colour in the jazz community and years of watching others experiencing prejudice due to their gender. ‘A Pinky Promise’, is a commitment to continually push for change within our communities.
Cheryl is a talented composer and saxophonist known for her innovative style and ability to weave captivating narratives through her work. Cheryl released her debut album, Follow Me Through The Red Ash, in 2017 to critical acclaim. She co-leads the JazzLab Orchestra and has released two albums, Menagerie (2018) and Pink Milk (2021) with collaborative trio Koi Kingdom.
Cheryl is a dynamic artist in the Australian jazz landscape, dedicated to pushing boundaries in jazz and contemporary music performance and composition. She has attended the prestigious Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music and participated in masterclasses with New York-based record label New Amsterdam. She received the SIMA Young Composer Award in 2019 and premiered her work Critical Point at the Sydney Women’s Jazz Festival and was nominated for the Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2020. She has also received commissions from the Inventi Ensemble (Hidden Pockets, 2023 premiere) and Homophonic (In Full Splendour, 2023 premiere as part of Midsumma Festival).
credits
released December 7, 2023
_ARTISTS
Yael Zamir - flute*
Nicole Canham - clarinet
Cheryl Durongpisitskul - composer & alto saxophone
Robert Burke - tenor saxophone
Freya Parr - bass clarinet*
Mirko Guerinni - baritone saxophone
Ashley Ballat - trumpet 1
Paul Williamson - trumpet 2
Oskar Moore - trombone*
Christopher Rozakeas - bass trombone*
Louise Devenish - percussion
Max Bruten - guitar*
Joe O'Connor - piano
Max Raz-Liebman - double bass*
Pat Skarajew - drum kit*
Anna McMichael - violin
Aaron Wyatt - viola
* denotes student of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance
Recorded by Daniel Tan
Mixing and mastering by Robert Burke & Daniel Tan
Videography by John Lloyd Fillingham
Director & Producer Robert Burke
Ensemble Manager & Producer Michael Kellett
Album artwork by Leisha Wellby
Monash Art Ensemble Creative Committee:
Professor Paul Grabowsky AO
Associate Professor Robert Burke
Dr. Paul Williamson
Professor. Margaret Barrett
Michael Kellett
