CHRISTINA LEONARD – soprano saxophone
JEREMY ROSE – alto saxophone
MATTHEW OTTIGNON – tenor saxophone
LUKE GILMOUR – baritone saxophone
Combining the diverse paths of two pairs of Saxophone players, Compass Quartet – Christina Leonard, Jeremy Rose, Matthew Ottignon, Luke Gilmour - form one of the most interesting and dynamic groups to emerge in Australia’s music scene. Inspired by the idea of breaking down barriers between classical music and improvised jazz, Compass takes an innovative and flexible approach to concert programming, combining influences as that are, distinct, new and unusual. Committed to expanding the context and genre of the Saxophone Quartet, Compass have, and plan to continue to commission new works to be written for collaborations with some of Australia’s finest instrumentalists.
Compass can tailor a program featuring works from early jazz to contemporary art music, with many arrangements and original compositions by band members.
SMH review of their recently released album ‘Abrazo Tango’ by Tall Poppies label describes their approach......“The superb pieces have been composed within the band and, in the tradition of Astor Piazzolla's "nuevo tango", stretch the rhythms to (back-) breaking point. The horns, meanwhile, curl around one another in dramatic precision, or explode in joyous or sultry improvisation……..”
Band Members’ biographies
Christina Leonard – soprano saxophone
Christina is committed to advancing the repertoire of music for Saxophone and is very involved in the concert promotion and arrangement of new music. Christina has been awarded numerous prizes and grants to commission new works including Saxophone. She is Artistic director of the ‘The Collective’ (Saxophone, Violin, ‘cello and Piano) and in 2009 was the Artistic Director of the Campbelltown Arts Centre Composer in Residence Series. Christina has performed many solo, and ensemble recitals and made recordings and live broadcasts for both 2MBSfm and ABC Classic FM. Christina was awarded a Queens Trust Scholarship to study in London, lectures Saxophone at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, has toured internationally and recorded with the SSO and performed on many occasions with the AOBO.
Christina is a core member of the chamber music ensemble Sydney Soloists, has played recitals and recorded a CD with Jazz Pianist Matt McMahon as well as a CD of Baroque music that she arranged for Harp, 'cello and Soprano Saxophone with Marshall McGuire and Daniel Yeadon. Christina will perform with the ACO and as a soloist with the Song Company in the coming months.
Jeremy Rose – alto saxophone
Jeremy began his musical development at the age of six on piano and clarinet, before moving to saxophone at the age of twelve. Before completing his Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the Sydney Conservatorium in 2007, Jeremy spent time studying and performing in Oslo, Norway. His diverse musical interests are reflected in the variety of bands that he leads and writes for. His foremost band, The Vampires, have recently released their first CD, a unique blend of jazz and reggae. Other musical excursions include modern jazz group The Jeremy Rose Quartet, electro acoustic group Push, afro-reggae band The Strides, as well as working with legendary jazz pianist Judy Bailey. He has performed for ABC Classic FM’s Sunday Live program, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships. In June, Jeremy will be embarking on a scholarship to study in both London and New York. Jeremy has recently released a solo album and another with his band ‘The Vampires’ to critical acclaim and is the founder of the recording label Earshift.
Matthew Ottignon – tenor saxophone
As one of Australia’s finest Jazz Saxophonists, Matthew’s classic tenor sound has been described as being ‘as wide as a double-frontage terrace’. After completing a Bachelor of Music with first class honours from the Sydney Conservatorium, Matthew has appeared on the recordings of Katie Noonan, Jackie Orszazcky, and Blue King Brown and has appeared on stage with international legends Lou Reed and Brian Wilson. Ever since moving to Sydney from his hometown of Auckland NZ, Matthew has been in demand for his ability to add something special to bands, dj’s and recording artists from all over the world, in particular having spent some time with jazz master Mike Nock. His skills as a multi instrumentalist have cemented him a position in triple aria winning band Monsieur Camembert. His own jazz trio project ‘Informal Troupe’ released their debut album in 2007 to critical acclaim.
Luke Gilmour – baritone saxophone
Luke is currently completing a Master of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music studying with Maestro Imre Pallo. In 2009, Luke will work with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and in 2010, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. After completing his Bachelor of Music on Saxophone from the Sydney Conservatorium in 2000 Luke worked with the Royal Australian Navy Band until 2006, during which time he performed numerous concertos, as well as arranged for this group. Luke has been awarded many prises including the Henderson Scholarship, Fellowship of Australian Composers Award, University of Sydney Equity and Merit Scholarship and has attained his Associate and Licentiate Diplomas in Music. He is also a Graduate of the NSW DET Talent Development Project. Luke is also Conductor for the NSW Dept of Education Arts Unit and Newtown Performing Arts High School. He is Music Director of the Sutherland Shire Choral Society and is the Ensembles Director at Rose Bay Secondary College and Clovelly Public School.