GRAMMY Award-winning Linda May Han Oh Returns to Adelaide for Two Exclusive Performances
GRAMMY Award-winning Linda May Han Oh returns to Adelaide to perform with top jazz musicians and staff from the Elder Conservatorium of Music for masterclasses and two concerts this August.
Based in New York, Linda May Han Oh is an internationally leading female bassist and composer. She is an Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music in the bass department, and part of the Institute for Jazz and Gender Justice led by Terri Lyne Carrington.
'It has been more than a decade since I've performed in Adelaide so I'm excited to be coming back to work with these young musicians at the Helpmann Academy.'
– Linda May Han Oh
During her time in Adelaide, Linda will mentor, educate, and perform with the state's most outstanding jazz students, graduating musicians and Elder Conservatorium staff, at Helpmann Academy's annual A Night of Jazz concerts. Strange Heavens, Linda's stunning new trio album, with Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet and Tyshawn Sorey on drums, releases 22 August 2025 on Biophilia Records.
'Linda May Han Oh's return to Adelaide offers an instrumental experience for our jazz students and graduates. Her global perspective, artistic integrity, and invaluable mentorship will resonate deeply with our musical community. Working with an artist of her calibre at such a formative stage in their careers can be life-changing, and we are delighted to present this extraordinary opportunity in partnership with the Helpmann Academy.'
– Professor Anna Goldsworthy, Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music
Listen to the first single and pre-order the album on Bandcamp here. Linda will be adapting select songs from the new album for Adelaide audiences. An afternoon and evening concert will take place at the UKARIA Cultural Centre in Mount Barker, featuring Linda as the headlining artist.
'We'll be playing some of my original music and I'm excited to be a part of this program and also to perform at the special cultural space that is UKARIA.'
– Linda May Han Oh
The renowned musician has received a 2022 Deutsche Jazz Preis and was voted 2018–2021, 2023–2025 Bassist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association, as well as 2022 Bassist of the Year in JazzTimes.
Linda has performed and recorded with artists such as Pat Metheny, Kenny Barron, Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, Terri Lyne Carrington, Steve Wilson, Geri Allen, and Vijay Iyer. In 2023, she was awarded the prestigious Herb Albert Award for music and received an Honorary Doctorate from the Manhattan School of Music in 2024.
'A major bass voice arrives.'
– JazzTimes
'Her innovative range and stellar improvisations have made [her] one of the most dynamic rising stars in jazz today.'
– The Wall Street Journal
'A Night of Jazz is one of Helpmann Academy's premier events – and this year, we're honoured to welcome internationally acclaimed Linda May Han Oh as our mentor and headline artist. A powerhouse in contemporary jazz, Linda brings unmatched artistry, insight, and inspiration to the stage. Performing alongside South Australia's most promising emerging jazz musicians, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness world-class talent alongside the next generation of jazz in an unforgettable performance. With just two shows only, this event is not to be missed.'
– Jane MacFarlane, Helpmann Academy CEO
OPEN MASTERCLASS
Thursday 14 August 4.00–6.00pm
Madley Rehearsal Studio, The University of Adelaide
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LINDA MAY HAN OH IN CONCERT
Afternoon Performance (Includes announcement of jazz awards)
Saturday 16 August 3.00–5.00pm
UKARIA Cultural Centre
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Evening Performance
Saturday 16 August 7.30–9.00pm
UKARIA Cultural Centre
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