It's never too early in the year for jazz

We’re no stranger to a bit of jazz here in Cork, so it’s no wonder renowned saxophonist Emma Rawicz’s upcoming Leeside show is creating quite a stir.

The London-based jazz musician, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader will perform at the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork city on 12 June accompanied by her exceptional quartet.

Rawicz is a multi-award winning young musician who, having only taken up the saxophone at age 16, is already making serious waves on the UK music scene and beyond as her live performances and recordings continue to garner widespread acclaim.

At just 19, Rawicz independently released her critically acclaimed debut album ‘Incantation’ and singlehandedly managed an extensive UK release tour that featured headline performances at renowned London city venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Café. Her latest album, ‘Chroma’, was selected as The Guardian’s Album of the Month and has earned her further international recognition.

Since ‘Chroma’ was released, Rawicz’s international career has flourished with performances in 16 countries and counting, including extensive touring in Germany and Scandinavia.

Described as “a force to be reckoned” with’ by Jazzwise magezine, Rawicz’s musical endeavours are broad, with artistic projects ranging from a duo with internationally renowned pianist Gwilym Simcock to her regular touring quartet made up of stars of the UK jazz scene.

In 2023 she was the Cambridge Jazz Festival’s Artist in Residence, culminating in a triumphant concert where she led the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra in an all-original programme of her own music, and showcasing a brand new commission for the ensemble.

She also featured as a soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra at Queen Elizabeth Hall in the 2022 London Jazz Festival and with the German SWR Radio Big Band at a sold-out Berlin Philharmonie in February 2024.

The future is certainly bright for Rawicz as she heads into the studio to record new music with previously unrecorded ensembles this year.

A passionate educator on top of everything else, she is already in demand as a masterclass leader, most recently giving workshops in Denmark, Lithuania, and Norway, as well as having a strong educational presence in the UK for musicians of all ages.

Leeside Jazz fans, and music fans in general, will be captivated by this young player and her command of her instrument. Her accompanying quartet are Elliot Galvin on piano, Kevin Glasgow on bass, and Asaf Sirkis on drums.

Emma Rawicz plays the Triskel Arts Centre on 12 June with doors at 8pm. For booking, visit triskelartscentre.ie.