NOMINATION: Luminary - Individual
The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals who, through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire.
Nominations for individuals should demonstrate a program of activities or a range of projects rather than (for example) the recording and release of a single album. Nominations for a single work or project should be made in the Work of the Year or Excellence categories.
If you believe you are nominated in the wrong category or the details of your nomination to be incorrect, please contact the AMC via email at awards@australianmusiccentre.com.au before proceeding with the nomination.
Art Music Award guidelines →
Nominee
David Theak
Nominated Project/Activity
2024 Activities including Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival & ANJO Youth Big Band
State/Territory
New South Wales
Nominator Statement
David Theak is a distinguished figure in the Australian jazz landscape, recognised for his exceptional contributions as a saxophonist, educator, conductor, artistic director, festival curator, and passionate advocate for jazz. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of jazz in Australia, fostering emerging talent, and elevating the genres national and international profile.
As a senior lecturer and former Head of Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Theak has been instrumental in developing innovative jazz education programs, mentoring the next generation of musicians, and bridging the gap between academia and professional performance. His leadership extends beyond the classroomsince 2017, he has served as the Artistic Director of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, transforming it into a premier platform for showcasing Australian alongside international jazz artists.
Further demonstrating his commitment to nurturing young jazz musicians, Theak co-founded and has co-led the Australian National Jazz Orchestra Youth Big Band since 2020. Under his direction (with Mace Francis), this national ensemble has provided exceptional emerging jazz artists with invaluable performance opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to world-class collaborations.
Through his multifaceted work as a performer, educator, and advocate, David Theak has significantly enriched Australia's jazz ecosystem. His unwavering dedication to the art form, combined with his visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, makes him a truly deserving nominee for the APRA Art Music Individual Luminary Award.
Nominee
David Theak
Nominated Project/Activity
2024 Activities including Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival & ANJO Youth Big Band
State/Territory
New South Wales
As a senior lecturer and former Head of Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Theak has been instrumental in developing innovative jazz education programs, mentoring the next generation of musicians, and bridging the gap between academia and professional performance. His leadership extends beyond the classroomsince 2017, he has served as the Artistic Director of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, transforming it into a premier platform for showcasing Australian alongside international jazz artists.
Further demonstrating his commitment to nurturing young jazz musicians, Theak co-founded and has co-led the Australian National Jazz Orchestra Youth Big Band since 2020. Under his direction (with Mace Francis), this national ensemble has provided exceptional emerging jazz artists with invaluable performance opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to world-class collaborations.
Through his multifaceted work as a performer, educator, and advocate, David Theak has significantly enriched Australia's jazz ecosystem. His unwavering dedication to the art form, combined with his visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, makes him a truly deserving nominee for the APRA Art Music Individual Luminary Award.