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The performances took place at the Sydney Opera House Studio on August 9 with four finalists: conductor/composer Mace Francis (Perth), vocalist Gian Slater (Melbourne), pianist Jackson Harrison (Sydney) and guitarist Ben Hauptmann (Melbourne).

The MC for the performance was Sydney bassist Craig Scott and the 2010 fellowship was adjudicated by Sydney musicians Steve Elphick, Phil Slater and David Theak.

After the performance the judging panel observed: “The standard of all performances were exceptional. Ben Hauptmann is our choice because the beauty of his music shone through in a very individual performance. This is a very personal and mature voice, revealed both in his playing and in his musical vision for his ensemble.”

Hauptmann collected $15,000 cash to assist with career building as well as support from The Music Council of Australia personnel during the Fellowship period.

The Fellowship was inaugurated in 2001 by Laurence and Kathy Freedman, and assists performers up to 36 years of age to further their careers and enhance their abilities as a jazz artist. Nominees propose a specific project to pursue their career, either overseas or within Australia.  The judging process involves a public concert at the Sydney Opera House as well as an assessment of their proposed project.

The above photo features the 2010 finalists (from left to right): Mace Francis, Ben Hauptmann Gian Slater, and Jackson Harrison.

More about: 

• Ben Hauptmann
• Gian Slater
• Mace Francis Orchestra
• Jackson Harrison

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