Ciara Louise Ferguson Receives COMA Emerging Jazz Writer's Award

BMus Hons 2021 graduate (and Adelaide Connection accompanist) Ciara Louise Ferguson received the COMA Emerging Jazz Writer's Award at the Adelaide Festival Centre International Jazz Day performance with the Thomas Voss Orchestra. Ciara is a prolific and dedicated performer and composer, and plans to use the Award to develop an EP of choral jazz music later this year.

The Creative Original Music Adelaide (COMA) Emerging Jazz Writer's Award celebrates an emerging leader in the field of contemporary jazz composition and performance who is female, non-binary or gender diverse. Ciara will receive:

• Two days' recording at Wizard Tone Studios
• Mentorship conversations with leading jazz artists
• A paid performance as part of COMA's regular series
• Support from COMA committee members in funding application preparation and other career advice

'Ciara is not only a wonderful performer but a sublime composer and arranger. Ciara is also an excellent mentor and educator and her work with the next generation plays an integral part in her impact and value in the Adelaide jazz scene. Her project will allow her to continue this work with the next generation – spreading the joy of music and jazz.'

– COMA External Assessment Panel